Secretary-General's message to World Autism Awareness Day Ministerial Conference and Civil society Symposium

I am pleased to send my greetings to this second World Autism Day Ministerial Conference and Civil Society Symposium. I commend the organizers and sponsors for their efforts to draw public attention to autism and other developmental disabilities, and I thank the Government of Japan for their leadership on this issue.

In 2007, the United Nations General Assembly designated 2 April as World Autism Awareness Day to create greater understanding about autism and promote universal adherence to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Autism is a complex and inadequately understood disability with a wide range of manifestations. Children and adults with autism –and, indeed, those living with disabilities in general –have a double burden. In addition to the daily challenges of their disability, they must also cope with the negative attitudes of society, inadequate support for their needs and, in some cases, blatant discrimination.

The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which entered into force in May 2008, is a powerful tool to redress such situations. It aims to promote equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by persons with disabilities. As of today, 144 countries have signed the Convention and 83 have ratified it.

As we celebrate World Autism Awareness Day, let us join persons with autism, their families and their advocates in a community of voices for greater awareness and understanding. By combining research and awareness-raising, we can provide persons with disabilities such as autism the protection and support that is their right. Today, let us rededicate ourselves to creating an inclusive society that affords full membership and true dignity for all persons with disabilities.

I wish you a successful and productive meeting.