Background
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities is a globally recognized observance dedicated to promote the rights, inclusion and well-being of persons with disabilities. This day highlights the importance of inclusivity, accessibility, and equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities, while also celebrating their achievements and contributions to society. Also, the observance of International Day of Persons with Disabilities serves as a reminder of the ongoing need to break down barriers, challenges, stereotypes, and create a world where persons with disabilities can have full and equal participation in all aspects of society.
Furthermore, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1992 to promote the rights, inclusion and well-being of persons with disabilities. It is an annual event observes globally on December 3rd each year. This date provides an opportunity for governments, organizations, and communities to come together to raise awareness, promote inclusion, and take action to improve the lives of persons with disabilities. Likewise, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities serves as a platform to advocate for the rights and dignity of individuals with disabilities.
How to Participate in International Day of Persons with Disabilities?
Participating in International Day of Persons with Disabilities is a meaningful way to show support for the rights, inclusion and well-being of persons with disabilities. Here are some ways to get involved:
(1) Organize Awareness Events:- Host events, seminars, or workshops that promote awareness of disability-related issues and discuss solutions for inclusion.
(2) Advocate for Accessibility:- Advocate for accessible infrastructure, transportation, and digital platforms to ensure that persons with disabilities have equal access to services and opportunities.
(3) Celebrate Achievements:- Recognize and celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of persons with disabilities in your community and beyond.
(4) Share Stories:- Share stories and experiences of persons with disabilities to raise awareness and foster empathy and understanding.
(5) Support Disability Organizations:- Contribute to or volunteer with organizations that work to improve the lives of persons with disabilities and promote inclusivity.
Theme of this Year 2023
The theme for the International Day of Persons with Disabilities in this year 2023 is “United in action to rescue and achieve the SDGs for, with and by persons with disabilities”.
The discussion of this theme will be structured around five pillars of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace, and Partnerships with a special focus on the priority areas identified in the SDG Progress Report of 2023, and in the forthcoming UN Disability and Development Report 2023.
For the purpose of this discussion, the priority areas can be identified as gender equality (People), climate action (Planet), financing for development (Prosperity), a new agenda for peace (Peace) and strengthening multilateralism (Partnerships).
People: Women and girls with disabilities are acutely vulnerable to being left behind due to the intersection of gender and disability, which compounds the challenges and barriers they encounter. An intersectional lens is crucial for fulfilling the pledge that no one will be left behind.
Planet: Persons with disabilities are disproportionately affected by the impacts of climate change, owing to their greater likelihood of living in poverty, which was exacerbated by the COVID‐19 pandemic. Moreover, stigma and discrimination are additional factors that increase the vulnerability of persons with disabilities to the effects of climate change.
Prosperity: Ensuring that adequate financial resources are allocated towards disability‐inclusive development must be a priority going forward, as well as the effective mainstreaming of disability in all aspects of development, including its financing. It is imperative that persons with disabilities, in all their diversity and throughout the world, actively participate in and shape these policies and processes.
Peace: Persons with disabilities are disproportionately affected by conflict in several ways, yet their needs and priorities are rarely addressed in situations of conflict. Furthermore, their role as peacemakers and peacekeepers is often ignored. Recent attempts to remedy this situation include the adoption of Security Council resolution 2475, which stipulates that respect for the human rights of persons with disabilities must be enshrined in international humanitarian law. Nevertheless, more needs to be done in this regard.
Partnerships: Despite recent setbacks, the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs remain the essential roadmap out of the multiple crises that the world is facing. A renewal of the pledge that no one will be left behind is fundamental. Success will require that all Member States of the United Nations, international organizations, civil societies and the global communities of persons with disabilities work together to strengthen international solidarity, and that they join in coordinated, targeted actions designed to reach the furthest behind first.
Conclusion
The preliminary findings from the forthcoming UN Disability and Development Report 2023 indicate that the world is even more off-track in meeting several SDGs for persons with disabilities. The efforts to rescue the SDGs for, with and by persons with disabilities need to be intensified and accelerated, given that persons with disabilities have historically been marginalized and have often been among those left furthest behind. A fundamental shift in commitment, solidarity, financing and action is critical. Integral to this is the inclusion of the voices, needs and priorities of persons with disabilities in all global and national development initiatives and policies.
Encouragingly, with the adoption of the Political Declaration of the recent SDG Summit, world leaders have recommitted themselves to achieving Sustainable Development Goals and shared prosperity for all, by focusing on policies and actions that target the poorest and most vulnerable, including persons with disabilities. This calls for re‐energized efforts by Member States of the United Nations, international organizations, civil societies and the global communities of persons with disabilities, through enhanced actions and international cooperation, to make the SDGs a reality for, with and by persons with disabilities.