Today, 3rd of December, as is every year is the International Day for People with Disability. Let's take a moment to celebrate the contributions of people with disabilities and their efforts in making the world a better place for everyone. We believe that "Disability is not an inability," and we stand with those who strive to overcome challenges every day. So let's show our love and support for people with disabilities on this special day and always. Remember, you can soar to greater heights no matter what obstacles you face. ♥️

International Day of People with Disability

Celebrating the Rights and Well-being of Persons with Disabilities

The International Day of People with Disability (IDPD) is a global observance that aims to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society and development, and to increase awareness of the situations of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic, and cultural life. The IDPD is celebrated every year on 3rd December, and each year has a specific theme that reflects the current issues and challenges faced by persons with disabilities around the world.

The origin of the IDPD dates back to 1981, when the United Nations (UN) declared the International Year of Disabled Persons, with the theme of "Full Participation and Equality". The purpose of this initiative was to encourage the participation of persons with disabilities in the mainstream society, and to promote their equal rights and opportunities. The International Year of Disabled Persons also marked the beginning of the UN Decade of Disabled Persons, which lasted from 1983 to 1992. The UN Decade of Disabled Persons aimed to implement a comprehensive plan of action to improve the living conditions and status of persons with disabilities at the national, regional, and international levels.

– In 1992, at the end of the UN Decade of Disabled Persons, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution to proclaim 3rd December as the International Day of Disabled Persons. The resolution invited all member states, UN agencies, civil society organizations, and persons with disabilities themselves to observe the day and to organize various activities to celebrate the achievements and contributions of persons with disabilities, as well as to raise awareness and advocacy for their rights and needs. The resolution also called for the development of the Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities, which were adopted in 1993 as a set of guidelines for the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). The CRPD, which was adopted in 2006 and entered into force in 2008, is the first legally binding international treaty that protects and promotes the human rights of persons with disabilities. The CRPD covers various aspects of disability inclusion, such as accessibility, education, health, employment, social protection, participation, and justice.

– Since its inception, the IDPD has been observed with different themes that reflect the current issues and challenges faced by persons with disabilities around the world. Some of the past themes include: "Nothing About Us Without Us" (1998), "Independent Living and Sustainable Livelihoods" (2003), "Decent Work for Persons with Disabilities" (2007), "Removing Barriers to Create an Inclusive and Accessible Society for All" (2012), "Empowering Persons with Disabilities and Ensuring Inclusiveness and Equality" (2018), and "Building Back Better: Toward a Disability-inclusive, Accessible and Sustainable Post COVID-19 World" (2020). The theme for the IDPD 2021 is "Leadership and Participation of Persons with Disabilities: Towards an Inclusive, Accessible and Sustainable Post-COVID-19 World". The theme highlights the importance of the leadership and participation of persons with disabilities in the recovery and development efforts in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has disproportionately affected persons with disabilities in terms of health, education, employment, and social protection. The theme also calls for the implementation of the UN Disability Inclusion Strategy, which was launched in 2019 by the UN Secretary-General to ensure that disability inclusion is mainstreamed in all aspects of the UN's work and operations.

– The IDPD is an opportunity for all stakeholders, including governments, UN agencies, civil society organizations, private sector, media, and persons with disabilities themselves, to join forces and take action to achieve the sustainable development goals (SDGs) for, with, and by persons with disabilities. The SDGs are a set of 17 global goals that aim to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure peace and prosperity for all by 2030. The SDGs are inclusive and universal, and recognize that disability is a cross-cutting issue that affects all aspects of development. Therefore, the SDGs require the full and effective participation and empowerment of persons with disabilities, as well as the removal of barriers and discrimination that hinder their access and opportunities.

– There are many ways that we can support and celebrate persons with disabilities on the IDPD and beyond.

Here are some examples of actions that we can take to make a difference:

• Educate ourselves and others about the rights and needs of persons with disabilities, and challenge the stereotypes and stigma that they face in society. We can use various sources of information and education, such as the Global Report on Health Equity for Persons with Disabilities, the UN Enable website, and the IDPWD website .

• Support and donate to organizations and initiatives that work for the empowerment and inclusion of persons with disabilities, such as the World Health Organization, the International Disability Alliance, and the Global Action on Disability Network .

• Volunteer and mentor persons with disabilities, and help them achieve their goals and aspirations. We can also learn from their experiences and perspectives, and appreciate their strengths and abilities.

• Advocate and campaign for the implementation and monitoring of the CRPD and the SDGs, and hold the governments and other actors accountable for their commitments and obligations. We can also participate in the decision-making and policy-making processes that affect the lives of persons with disabilities, and ensure that their voices are heard and respected.

• Celebrate and showcase the achievements and contributions of persons with disabilities, and acknowledge their diversity and dignity. We can also share their stories and messages, and amplify their visibility and recognition.

The IDPD is a day to celebrate the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities, and to reaffirm our commitment and solidarity to create an inclusive and accessible society for all. By taking action and joining forces, we can make the world a better place for persons with disabilities, and for everyone.

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