A visually impaired Ugandan student uses a device to write and read Braille. International Day of Persons with Disabilities: UN calls for real inclusion Human rights
Today, 1.3 billion people, or one in six people on Earth, face significant limitations related to their health. And people with disabilities face twice the risk of developing chronic diseases, from diabetes to depression. And the gap in life expectancy compared to people without disabilities can reach 20 years.
These figures reflect not only the state of health, but also the consequences of systemic exclusion, discrimination and limited access to services.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in his message on the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which is celebrated on 3 December, stressed: without real inclusion it is impossible to talk about genuine social progress or sustainable development.
Full participation
The Secretary General recalled that many people with disabilities make contributions that benefit the entire society. Thanks to their efforts, the world receives innovations that then become part of everyday life. This is how voice control technology, text messaging and many other solutions came into being. barriers
“The Doha Political Declaration, adopted last month at the World Summit for Social Development, confirms the most important truth: sustainable development is impossible without the inclusion of persons with disabilities in this work,” the UN head noted.
But in everything people with disabilities and their families face significant barriers, including discrimination in the labor market, limited access to information, technology and infrastructure, and inappropriate education and social protection.
Without addressing these barriers, social development will remain incomplete.
On December 3rd, UN headquarters will host a discussion on how to build a truly inclusive society in accordance with the Doha Declaration. Representatives of governments, civil society and the UN will discuss practical tools, solutions and factors needed to promote social development.