Persons with disabilities must be part of global development push says UN chief

The global community on Saturday December 3, marked international Day of Disabled Persons.

In a message, the UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, said much remains to be accomplished before persons with disabilities can realize their full potential as equal and valued members of society.


Mr. Ban Ki-moon pointed out that this month marks 10 years since the UN General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. 

Since then, he said, disability has increasingly been incorporated into global agendas related to human rights and development. 

Countries have begun implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, or as the UN chief called it: "our blueprint for peace, prosperity, dignity and opportunity for all on a healthy planet." 

Agenda 2030 promises to "leave no one behind," which Mr. Ban said will require the full inclusion and effective participation of persons with disabilities. 

However, the Secretary-General pointed out that much remains to be done for this to happen. 

"For the 2030 Agenda to succeed, we must include persons with disabilities in implementation and monitoring and use the Convention as a guide," he stated. 

The UN chief called for the elimination of stereotypes, discrimination and other obstacles which infringe the rights of persons with disabilities. 

SOURCE: Dianne Penn, United Nations.