The International Day of Persons with Disabilities, celebrated worldwide each year on December 3rd, came into prominence in the news once again in 2019. The United Nations General Assembly resolution 47/3 proclaimed this event in 1992, giving a platform to promote the rights, well-being and awareness of persons with disabilities in all walks of life.
The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Adopted in 2006, The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) aimed to further enhance the rights and well-being of disabled individuals, especially regarding the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and other international development frameworks.
Significance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities
This event is not just a day to celebrate but also serves a broader purpose. It aims to foster the rights and well-being of people with disabilities across various aspects of society and development. The objective is to increase awareness about the circumstances of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic, and cultural life.
Highlighting the Theme for 2019
The 2019 theme was ‘Promoting the participation of persons with disabilities and their leadership: taking action on the 2030 Development Agenda.’ This theme was particularly centered on empowering persons with disabilities for inclusive, equitable, and sustainable development, as anticipated in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This Agenda pledges to ‘leave no one behind’ and recognizes disability as a cross-cutting issue for its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Launch of the United Nations Disability Inclusion Strategy
In June 2019, the United Nations launched the United Nations Disability Inclusion Strategy. This strategy aligns with the UN’s commitment to transform itself into an organization that includes everyone. This approach provides the foundation for sustainable and transformative progress on disability inclusion across all UN pillars.
Celebrations in India
In India, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities was also commemorated. The Vice President presented the National Awards for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, proposing measures to enhance facilities for their holistic development.
| Key Facts |
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| The United Nations General Assembly resolution 47/3 proclaimed this event in 1992. |
| The CRPD was adopted in 2006. |
| The theme for 2019 revolved around ‘Promoting the participation of persons with disabilities and their leadership: taking action on the 2030 Development Agenda.’ |
| The United Nations Disability Inclusion Strategy was launched in June 2019. |
Steps Taken by the Indian Government
Article 41 of the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) is one of the key measures taken by the Indian Government. It obliges the state to secure the right to work, education, and public assistance in cases such as unemployment, old age, sickness, and disablement.
Right of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016
This act, implemented by the Indian Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, redefines disability based on an evolving and dynamic concept. The types of disabilities recognized increased from 7 to 21 under this act.
Various Schemes and Measures
The government has introduced several schemes to benefit disabled individuals, like the Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS), ADIP Scheme, SIPDA, DDRC, Accessible India Campaign, and other scholarship schemes. These initiatives aim to provide aids, appliances, opportunities, protection of rights and full participation to people with disabilities.
Steps Needed for a More Inclusive Society
For a more inclusive society, it is crucial to be sensitive towards the needs of differently-abled individuals and make accessible infrastructure a priority. This inclusivity should start early, with schools fostering sensitivity towards disability at a young age. Roads and workplaces should be made safer to prevent accidents, and social attitudes towards disability need to change. A great way to initiate this shift is by encouraging impactful cinema focusing on the topic of disability.