On 3rd December, we are going to observe 'The International Day of Person's with Disabilities.' The International Day of Disabled Persons was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1992. The annual observance of the Day aims to increase awareness and understanding of disability issues and trends, and to mobilise support for practical action at all levels by, with and for persons with disabilities.
This year's theme is "Keeping the promise: Mainstreaming disability in the Millennium Development Goals(MDG) towards 2015 and beyond". It aims to ensure that disability and the concerns of people with disabilities are included in the commitments. The inclusion of persons with disabilities in all development activities is essential to realizing the MDGs and other development goals. This year's Day will serve as a reminder to governments, global leaders, policy-makers and other stakeholders to keep up their efforts on behalf of disability-inclusive development.
The 13 December 2006 adoption of the Convention by the UN General Assembly reflected an attitudinal change towards people with disabilities. The Convention recognises that persons with disabilities have the same inherent dignity as persons without them, are capable of claiming their rights, and should be participating members of society. As of November 2010, 147 countries have signed the Convention, and 96 have ratified it.(Sources-www.hrea.org, UN Dept of Public Information, UN Enable)
We have made a good start by introducing a path breaking Right to Education (RTE) where in children with special needs are included in the mainstream schools. Hope to see some real affirmative action in other spheres as well.
In the month of December, besides International Day for Persons with Disability, we are also observing Volunteering Month, so are planning a workshop for effective volunteering. So please register your names, be with us.
Let us make both these events meaningful!
No comments:
Post a Comment