INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES TO BE MARKED IN ARMENIA

armradio.am
02.12.2009 19:04

The International Day of People with Disabilities to be marked by
the United Nations family in Armenia together with its governmental
and non-governmental partners.

The annual observance of the International Day of Persons with
Disabilities aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and
mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons
with disabilities. It also seeks to increase awareness of gains to
be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities in every
aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon issued a statement on the
International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The message reads:

"The theme of this year’s International Day of Persons
with Disabilities is "making the Millennium Development Goals
disability-inclusive." As we prepare for next September’s MDG summit,
we must ensure that our efforts are all-inclusive and improve living
standards and quality of life for everyone.

We are all vulnerable to disability, temporary or permanent, especially
as we grow older. In most countries, at least one person in 10 is
disabled by physical, mental or sensory impairment. A quarter of the
global population is directly affected by disability, as care-givers
or family members.

Persons with disabilities encounter many disadvantages. They are
often among the poorest and most excluded members of society. Yet
they routinely show tremendous resilience, and achieve great heights
in all spheres of human endeavour.

Experience shows that when persons with disabilities are empowered to
participate and lead the process of development, the entire community
opens up. Their involvement creates opportunities for everyone —
with or without a disability. The message for the MDGs is clear:
putting persons with disabilities and their communities at the heart
of our efforts is a proven way to advance the development agenda.

The United Nations advocates for universal human rights and development
for all as fundamental goals and as essential foundations for peace,
security and prosperity. The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons
with Disabilities, which entered into force in 2008, is one of our
most important tools to advance this cause. We must continue to work
for its implementation and its universality.

On this International Day, let us pledge to break down the barriers
to participation and access which persons with disabilities face in
their daily lives. Let us empower them as an indispensable means for
achieving the Millennium Development Goals and development for all."