More than 1 billion people or 15% of the world population are living with disabilities – the world’s largest and most disadvantaged group – most of which, are in developing countries! The international disability movement achieved an extraordinary advance in 2006, with the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The UN General Assembly emphasizes that the genuine achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and other internationally agreed development goals, requires the inclusion and integration of the rights, and well-being, as well as the perspective of persons with disabilities in development efforts at national, regional and international levels. Toward this end, in 2011, the Assembly decided to convene a one-day high-level meeting on disability and development (HLMDD) at the level of Heads of State and Government, under the theme: “The way forward: a disability inclusive development agenda towards 2015 and beyond”. By 3 December 2013, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, UN General Assembly will have the outcome document of the HLMDD, which would provide an blueprint for action and ideal platform to launch global efforts to help realize the full and equal participation of persons with disabilities in society and shape the future of development for all! For more information about the International Day for People with Disabilities, visit the United Nations website.
CILT
