UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called for the elimination of stereotypes and discrimination against persons living with disabilities to enable them realise their full potential in the society.
Ban, who made the call in a message on the 2016 International Day of Persons with Disabilities, said they should be seen as “equal and valued members of society”.
“Much remains to be accomplished before persons with disabilities can realize their full potential as equal and valued members of society.
“We must eliminate the stereotypes and discrimination that perpetuate their exclusion and build an accessible, enabling and inclusive environment for all.
“For the 2030 Agenda to succeed we must include persons with disabilities in implementation and monitoring and use the Convention as a guide.
“On this International Day of Persons with Disabilities, I urge national and local Governments, businesses and all actors in society to intensify efforts to end discrimination.
“I also urge them to remove the environmental and attitudinal obstacles that prevent persons with disabilities from enjoying their civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights.
“Let us work together for the full and equal participation of persons with disabilities in an inclusive and sustainable world that embraces humanity in all its diversity,” he said.
The secretary-general said on Dec. 3, 2006, the UN General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
The UN chief said the convention was one of the most widely ratified international human rights instruments, with 169 Parties.
According to him, the Convention has spurred significant progress in commitment and action for equality, inclusion and empowerment around the world, with disability being increasingly incorporated into the global human rights and development agendas.
“This year, United Nations Member States have embarked on implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, our blueprint for peace, prosperity, dignity and opportunity for all on a healthy planet.
“With its 17 interdependent Sustainable Development Goals, the 2030 Agenda is based on a pledge to leave no one behind.
“Achieving this requires the full inclusion and effective participation of persons with disabilities in society and development,” Ban said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that since 1992, the UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities has been observed annually on Dec. 3 around the world.
The theme for 2016 is: “Achieving 17 Goals for the Future We Want”.
The theme notes the recent adoption of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the role of these goals in building a more inclusive and equitable world for persons with disabilities. (NAN)