International Day of Persons with Disabilities was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly on October 14, 1992, and is celebrated annually on December 3.
The purpose of this holiday is to draw the attention of the population to the problems of people who have lost their ability to work, to protect their rights, freedoms and dignity, as well as the possibility to participate in public life. The problem of protecting the rights of people with disabilities is extremely important since according to the UN, more than one billion people have some form of disability, of which 80% live in developing countries. 50% of people with disabilities cannot afford health services. More than 100 million disabled people are children.
With a view to consolidating the fundamental rights and freedoms of people with disabilities, on December 13, 2006, the UN adopted the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. In accordance with the convention, persons with disabilities include “those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.”
The principles of the convention are: respect for inherent dignity, individual autonomy including the freedom to make one’s own choices, and independence of persons; non-discrimination; full and effective participation and inclusion in society; respect for difference and acceptance of persons with disabilities as part of human diversity and humanity; equality of opportunity; accessibility; equality between men and women; respect for the evolving capacities of children with disabilities and respect for the right of children with disabilities to preserve their identities.
Every year, a slogan is chosen for the holiday. Usually, on this day, concerts are held, conferences and meetings of disabled people are held. Extracurricular lessons, discussions and round tables are organized in schools.
For the Donetsk People’s Republic, the issue of observing the rights of persons with disabilities is extremely relevant. At the moment, 140,991 people with disabilities live in the territory of the Republic, including 6 339 children. The state takes all possible measures to provide assistance, benefits and support to people with disabilities.
The Human Rights Ombudsman in the DPR calls to remember that there are people with disabilities among us:
“People with disabilities especially need our support and assistance. We must be attentive to them, respect their personal dignity. Thus, we will take another step towards a better and worthy future, the future of equality and mutual assistance for us and our children.”
