International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2022
The theme this year is “Transformative solutions for inclusive development: the role of innovation in fuelling an accessible and equitable world“. The annual observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) on 3 December was proclaimed in 1992 by the United Nations General Assembly resolution 47/3. The observance of the Day aims to […]
Building disability-inclusive societies in the COVID context and beyond
There are only eight years left for the world to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With 185 ratifications to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), the international commitments to equality and empowerment of persons with disabilities has been further strengthened and there is increasing appreciation of advancing disability-inclusive development as an effective means and way to realize the rights and achieve development for all, including persons with disabilities.
Recognizing the challenges the world is facing in the COVID-19 response and recovery as well as implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the 15th session of the Conference of State Parties to the CRPD (COSP15) will focus this year on: (1) Innovation and technology advancing disability rights (2) Economic empowerment and entrepreneurship of persons with disabilities and (3) Participation of persons with disabilities in climate action, disaster risk reduction and resilience against natural disasters as well as one Interactive Dialogue between the UN system and States Parties.
COSP15 will focus on the interaction between technology and persons with disabilities and how they experience technology; the challenges and how to overcome them; and what States parties and other stakeholders can do to make the best of technology in order to advance disability rights and build a better society that is more disability-inclusive and participatory. The event will feature assistive technologies, which are used by many individuals with disabilities, as well as mainstream technologies, including emerging technological advances, which can have a significant impact on the advancement of the rights of persons with disabilities.
Persons with disabilities are facing significant exclusion in the world of work. According to data from 91 countries and territories, across eight geographical regions, only 36 per cent of persons with disabilities of working age are in employment. The COSP15 will address the economic empowerment of persons with disabilities, which is the ability of persons with disabilities to bring about change and contribute to society because of increased economic capabilities and agency by participating in the labour markets on equal terms with others. It allows persons with disabilities to live life in dignity with respect to their rights at work and beyond.
Persons with disabilities are particularly vulnerable during natural disasters and extreme climate events. All States have an obligation to ensure that their climate actions respect, protect and fulfil the human rights of all, including by integrating the rights of persons with disabilities into climate laws, policies, and programmes. The COSP15 will discuss the adverse effects of climate change on the effective enjoyment of the rights of persons with disabilities, which require urgent, rights based, disability-inclusive climate action.
This year, the Conference will host around 100 side events. Stay updated on efforts to advance and protect the rights of persons with disabilities by following the COSP15 on 14-16 June 2022.
For more information and details on the event, visit this link.
Source: UNDESA Voice
15th Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (COSP15), 14-16 June 2022
The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) was adopted by the General Assembly by its resolution 61/106 of 13 December 2006. It came into force on 3 May 2008 upon the 20th ratification. Article 40 of the Convention stipulates that “The States Parties shall meet regularly in a Conference of States Parties in order to consider any matter with regard to the implementation of the present Convention.” Since 2008, 14 sessions of the Conference of States Parties have been held at United Nations Headquarters, New York.
The 15th session, per decided by States Parties at the 14th session of the Conference of States Parties (COSP) in June 2021, will be scheduled to take place at the United Nations Headquarters, New York, from 14 to 16 June 2022 , during which an election of nine members of the Committee on the Rights of Persons with disabilities will be conducted. More details on the planning and organization including the program for the session will be in forthcoming.
Bureau
- President: Finland (Western European and Others Group)
- Vice-Presidents: Republic of Iraq (Asia-Pacific Group), Poland (Eastern European Group), Guatemala (Latin American and Caribbean Group), and Zambia ( African Group).
Theme and sub-themes of the Conference
Overarching theme: Building disability-inclusive and participatory societies in the COVID context and beyond
Sub theme 1: Innovation and technology advancing disability rights
Sub theme 2: Economic empowerment and entrepreneurship of persons with disabilities
Sub theme 3: Participation of persons with disabilities in climate action, disaster risk reduction and resilience against natural disasters
Learn more: https://bit.ly/un-cosp2022
World Down Syndrome Day: 21 March 2022
Down syndrome occurs when an individual has an extra partial (or whole) copy of chromosome 21. It is not yet know why this syndrome occurs, but Down syndrome has always been a part of the human condition. It exists in all regions across the globe and commonly results in variable effects on learning styles, physical characteristics and health.
Adequate access to health care, to early intervention programmes, and to inclusive education, as well as appropriate research, are vital to the growth and development of the individual.
In December 2011, the General Assembly declared 21 March as World Down Syndrome Day (A/RES/66/149). The General Assembly decided, with effect from 2012, to observe World Down Syndrome Day on 21 March each year. In order to raise public awareness of Down syndrome, the General Assembly invites all Member States, relevant organizations of the United Nations system and other international organizations, as well as civil society, including non-governmental organizations and the private sector, to observe World Down Syndrome Day in an appropriate manner.
What is Down syndrome?
Down syndrome (or Trisomy 21) is a naturally occurring chromosomal arrangement that has always been a part of the human condition.
The best people to answer many questions about Down syndrome are people with Down syndrome, so over to them…
What does inclusion mean?
#InclusionMeans
#WorldDownSyndromeDay
Together we can empower people around the world to advocate for full inclusion in society for people with Down syndrome and for everyone.
For more Information, please visit:
Election of nine Members of the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
In reference to the decision of the Bureau of the Conference of States parties, made in June 2021, the fifteenth session of the Conference of the States parties to the Convention will take place in New York on 14 to 16 June 2022, during which the election of nine members of the Committee on the Rights of Persons with disabilities will be conducted.
In accordance with that decision, the deadline to nominate a candidate for membership in the Committee for the period 2023-2026, is 13 April 2022.
The Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is composed of 18 independent experts - persons of high moral character and recognized competence in the field of human rights.
In accordance with article 34, paragraph 7, the term of nine of the members elected will expire on 31 December 2022. Thus, nine seats in the Committee must now be filled through an election.
The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) was adopted by the General Assembly by its resolution 61/106 of 13 December 2006. It came into force on 3 May 2008 upon the 20th ratification. Article 40 of the Convention stipulates that “The States Parties shall meet regularly in a Conference of States Parties in order to consider any matter with regard to the implementation of the present Convention.” Since 2008, 15 sessions of the Conference of States Parties have been held at United Nations Headquarters, New York.
The nominations and biographical data, in accordance with the “biographical data form” (find the form in Word below No. 3), should be submitted to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, United Nations Office at Geneva, CH-1211 Geneva 10 and in ELECTRONIC VERSION (find the form in Word below No.3) to registry@ohchr.org.
Members serve in their personal capacity and may be re-elected once if nominated.
NOTE: Nominations will ONLY be processed when submitted in WORD FORMAT and WITHIN THE PAGE LIMIT (1 and a half pages-Roman text 12.
In its current composition eleven experts of the Committee are women, and seven are men; with their regional distribution as follows: 5 experts from Latin America and the Caribbean, 4 from Africa, 4 from Asia-Pacific, 1 from Eastern Europe, and 4 from Western Europe and other States.
Of the 9 experts whose mandates expire on 31 December 2022: 2 are from the African regional group, 2 from Asia-Pacific, 1 from Eastern Europe, 2 from Western Europe and other States and 2 from Western Europe and other States.
In April 2017, the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities adopted a statement on achieving gender balance and equitable geographical representation in the elections of members of the Committee. The Committee expressed concerns that only one woman was left as member of the Committee resulting from the 2016 elections. It also expressed concern about the shifting geographical balance in the membership. The Committee called upon States parties to be mindful of the need to promote the geographical balance and the inclusion of women with disabilities in elections of the Committee to secure equal geographical representation and restore gender balance. The statement is also available below.
Documentation
- Note verbale on elections: English | Français | Español
- Members whose term expires on 31 December 2022: English | Français | Español
- Biographical Data Form: English | Français | Español
- Provisional Rules of Procedure: English
- Handbook for Treaty Body Members
Received Names of Candidates for the 2022 Elections
| Name | Nationality |
| Mr. Alfred Kouadio KOUASSI [English | Français] |
Ivory Coast |
| Mr. Alexandrovich IVANOV [English | русский] |
Russian Federation |
| Mr. Markus SCHEFER [English | Français | Español] |
Switzerland |
Source: OHCHR
Shaping a future where everyone is included
Around the world, 1 billion people live with some form of disability. How can we make sure that our societies embrace and empower everyone regardless of their abilities? Ahead of International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we spoke with UN DESA’s Daniela Bas to find out and to learn more about celebrations happening worldwide to mark the day.
Faced with increasing inequalities and political divides, how can the world shape a future that includes everyone?
“Persons with disabilities, more than 15% of the world’s population, are more likely to live in poverty and have less access to education, health care, decent income, or opportunities to participate in decision-making within their communities. Delivering on the 2030 Agenda’s promise to ‘leave no one behind’, in alignment with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), is a matter of social justice, economic growth, as well as an essential investment in an inclusive present and common future for the wellbeing of all.
A more coordinated approach and a change of mindset from the international level down to the local communities are needed to overcome barriers that increase the gap of inequalities in the social, economic, environmental, cultural, and political dimensions of life that may prevent persons with disabilities to use their abilities to benefit all.”
What are the actions needed to empower the world’s one billion people living with a disability? What role do the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) play in these efforts?
“The most important action is to invest in the abilities of persons with disabilities and renew our focus on the inclusion of all people. This will be achieved by promoting accessibility through public outreach programmes and encouraging capacity building and educational programmes on disability issues.
The SDGs have the potential to reshape our world for the better if we all engage in promoting them no matter the age, ethnicity, gender and disability.”
Our world is witnessing fast technological progress, how are new innovations benefitting persons with disabilities? Are there any new assistive technologies to look out for?
“New innovations and technologies play a vital role in nearly all aspects of our life, including education, work, health as well as culture, sports and recreational activities. They are even more beneficial for those persons with disabilities who may need assistive technologies.
Accessible and assistive technologies (AT) can help many persons with disabilities overcome daily obstacles in navigating difficulties in communicating and in accessing environments, in education, at work and living independently.
According to the World Intellectual Property Organization’s (WIPO) Technology Trends Report 2021: “New AT are emerging such as assistive robots, smart home applications, smart medication management, wearables for visually impaired and smart glasses as well as products like wheelchair seats or wheels adjusted for different terrains, environmental alarms and Braille-enabled devices”.
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities will be celebrated on 3 December this year. Can you tell us some more about the commemoration?
“This year, the theme of the Day is “Leadership and participation of persons with disabilities toward an inclusive, accessible and sustainable post-COVID-19 world” and it will be celebrated all over the world. Below are three examples:
1. At Expo Dubai, we will focus on sharing good practices for an inclusive future for all and empowering stories and innovative solutions of persons with disabilities from all over the world. It will also be the space to promote the acceleration of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) showcasing the efforts of the international community to reduce the gap of inequalities (SDG 10) and promote full participation and inclusion leaving no one behind, as well exploring key issues like education (SDG 4), decent work (SDG 8), accessibility (SDG 11) , innovation/technology (SDG 9), and sport.
2. At the United Nations Headquarters in New York City, a virtual event will be held on “Reducing inequalities through technologies: A perspective on disability inclusive development” as part of the WSIS TalkX, co-organized by UN DESA, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the International Telecommunications Union (ITU). The aim is to increase awareness of the importance of supporting innovation ecosystems to spur the development of new and improved assistive technologies.
3. The Special Envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General on Disability and Accessibility is organizing a virtual event on “Leadership of the new generations: Children and adolescents with disabilities and their voices post COVID-19” with United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) and co-sponsored by the Permanent Mission of Chile to the United Nations.”
Learn more about the International Day of Persons with Disabilities and events to commemorate the day: http://bit.ly/UN-2021IDPD
Expo 2020 celebrates International Day of Persons with Disabilities and works towards more inclusive world
Underscoring the importance of leaving no one behind, Expo 2020 Dubai is marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3 December with a flagship event located at the Nexus for People and Planet venue, exploring issues such as inclusive accessibility, education, decent work, innovation and technology, and sport.
Co-curated with the UAE Ministry of Community Development and in partnership with the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the ‘Shaping an Inclusive Future for All’ specialist event featured talks by leaders in government and business, artists and athletes, to demonstrate the achievements of persons with disabilities and showcase the ways individuals and organizations can work together to achieve inclusion.
Dina Storey, Head of Sustainability Operations at Expo 2020 Dubai, said: “In line with inclusion being one of the UAE’s key values, the team behind Expo 2020 is diverse, inclusive and dedicated to the task of delivering an exceptional Expo for all to the world, with people of determination playing an important role in the event’s lead-up and delivery. Expo 2020 is proud to be hosting this event marking International Day of Persons with Disabilities and looks forward to sharing its outcomes with the world.”
Speakers at the event included Her Excellency Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Minister of Community Development; Maria-Francesca Spatolisano, Assistant Secretary-General for Policy Coordination and Inter-Agency Affairs, United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs; Vladimir Cuk, Executive Director of The International Disability Alliance; Daniela Bas, Director of the Division for Inclusive Social Development, UN DESA and Dr. Victor Pineda, Founder and President, The Victor Pineda Foundation.
The multi-format event included lightning talks and moderated panels where participants shared success stories of bold approaches, partnerships and ecosystems that foster innovation and accelerate change by and for people of determination. Topics ranged from how to create a more accessible world for persons with disabilities to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Disability is referenced across the SDGs, specifically in the areas of education, growth and employment, inequality, accessibility of human settlements and data collection.
To coincide with International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Dubai-based talent academy Rising Stars, which helps disabled children develop their skills, staged another unmissable performance on 3 December at the Opportunity Forum. The group lit up the stage in November, when their heart-warming show during Tolerance and Inclusivity Week fuelled big cheers and standing ovations from a visibly moved audience. The week also brought together participants to focus on solutions to challenges faced by persons with disabilities, including the use of digital services and innovations to access new markets and opportunities.
https://youtu.be/JQPrS03vhsQ
Expo 2020 Dubai is committed to creating opportunities for persons with disabilities. Playing an active role in shaping the entire Expo experience, persons with disabilities are among Expo 2020 volunteers and employees, while the entire site has been designed to be accessible for all, ensuring everyone is part of a global experience that celebrates the diversity of our world and encourages an inclusive future for humanity.
For more information: https://www.expo2020dubai.com/
Source: Expo 2020 Dubai, Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
Taking action to eliminate gender-based violence against women and girls with disabilities, NOW
The Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, the Committee on the Rights of the Child, and the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities join the commemoration of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence, which presents an opportunity to look at the specific and unique forms of gender-based violence against women and girls with disabilities. International experts call States parties to the CEDAW, CRC and CRPD Conventions and all stakeholders to take decisive action in preventing and eliminating these forms of violence, and to ensure that women and girls with disabilities and their representative organizations are involved in policies aimed at eliminating gender-based violence against women.
Women and girls with disabilities are active members of their communities and have widely contributed to bring change in the way society perceives persons with disabilities. Yet, fifteen years after the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, they continue to face systemic and structural barriers to participation in society and are disproportionately represented in situations of poverty as a consequence of multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination in all spheres of life.
International experts reaffirm that women and girls with disabilities around the world should be included in the fight to advance gender equality and women's rights. They are entitled to all human rights and fundamental freedoms on an equal basis with others and should be actively involved in all campaigns fighting for women's rights. States parties, civil society, national human rights institutions should continue promoting and empowering women and girls with disabilities’ participation in all areas of life.
Disability and Development Report
Disability-inclusive development is an essential condition for a sustainable future. In 2015, the United Nations adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, pledging to leave no one behind in the global efforts to realize the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Resources
Reports, resolutions and other documents related to the UN intergovernmental process from the General Assembly, the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the Commission for Social Development, the Human Rights Council, and the Inter-Agency Support Group (IASG) for the CRPD.
