International Day of Disabled Persons - December 3

December 3, 2004

This year, the theme of the Day is "Nothing About Us Without Us". The annual observance of the Day is aimed to increase awareness and understanding of disability issues, and to mobilize support for practical action at all levels, by, with and for persons with disabilities.

The theme of the Day is based on the goal of full and equal enjoyment of human rights and participation of persons with disabilities in society. The International Day of Disabled Persons, 3 December, was proclaimed by the General Assembly of the United Nations, by resolution 47/3 in 1992. It marks the anniversary of the General Assembly's adoption in 1982 of the World Programme of Action concerning Persons with Disabilities.

Today, we observe the Day with a different perspective towards disabled persons. It is significant to note that disabled persons are now viewed as individuals, who can contribute to the economic and social life of the community and become self sufficient.

There are some 625 million disabled persons in the world constituting nearly 10 per cent of the global population. This population needs positive action on the part of governments, the private sector and civil society.

The Day also allows us to focus on the contributions of persons with disabilities to society and to recognize their varied skills, interests and aspirations.

Observance of the Day offers an opportunity to foster changes in attitudes towards persons with disabilities. It challenges us to think of practical actions to implement disability-sensitive policies and programmes, which will further their participation in social life and enable them to achieve their full potential.

On December 3, let us reaffirm our commitment to further address the needs of disabled persons.

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