International Day of Persons with Disabilities was established by a resolution of the United Nations General Assembly in 1992 to draw attention to the protection of the rights of people with disabilities, as well as their self-fulfilling in all spheres of life.
In December 2006, the United Nations Member States adopted the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which has become one of the basic human rights instruments aimed at the humanitarian development of society. The main principles of the Convention include respect for the dignity of a person, his or her individuality, rights and freedoms, prohibition of discrimination and ensuring equal opportunities, as well as their effective involvement in the public life.
Activities that are held in the framework of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities are aimed at deepening the integration and support of such citizens. At the same time, every year on December 3, public efforts are focused on a specific aspect or problem, which becomes the theme of the International Day. In 2018, it is devoted to empowering persons with disabilities and ensuring inclusiveness and equality.
Despite the difficult conditions of the ongoing military-political and socio-economic confrontation, in the Donetsk People’s Republic, close attention is paid to the issues of supporting people with disabilities. In particular, the Law “On Social Protection of Disabled Persons”, as well as some subordinate legislation, have been adopted and are currently in effect.
Human Rights Ombudsman in the Donetsk People’s Republic carries out a number of activities aimed at ensuring and monitoring the observance of the rights and freedoms of citizens of this category. Special efforts are being made to support persons affected by the armed conflict on the territory of Donbass, including through cooperation with international humanitarian organizations.
The Donetsk People’s Republic aims to ensure equal rights and freedoms, development and labour realization, creativity and public life to physically challenged citizens, which contributes to the further development of the Republic as a progressive, law-based and socially oriented State.
