Since 1992, 3 December has been designed as International Day of Persons with Disabilities by the United Nations. The observance of the Day aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.
Statement by Niccolo Figà-Talamanca, Secretary General of No Peace Without Justice:
Today, as we celebrate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, No Peace Without Justice (NPW) and the Nonviolent Radical Party, Transnational and Transparty (NRPTT) call upon the international community, government and non-governmental institutions to act in support of measures and initiatives aiming at achieving the full integration of disabled citizens in every aspect of social, economic, cultural and political life.
NPWJ and the NRPTT urge the adoption and implementation of strategic national policies based on a “human rights-based approach”, that can lead to the full recognition of persons with disabilities as active subjects of law and the acceptance of diversity as an enrichment of the fabric of society.
People with disabilities and their families should be included at all stages of policy making process, from inception to monitoring and evaluation, on key issues related to their own needs and priorities, increasing their capacity for self advocacy and freedom of expression, through awareness campaigns, policies and initiatives that expand the public spaces of participation. Inclusion and self-determination have to be extended to all forms of disability, notably to people with psychiatric disabilities, so as to enhance their contribution to social and public life and assure their right to exercise freedom of choice and self-management in all personal matters.
Countries should also work to remove all obstacles that prevent disabled citizens from fully exercising their political rights, both as voters and as political candidates and leaders at all levels of elections, as stated also by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Person with Disability. The advancement of democracy means to fight against every kind of discrimination and to increase legal protection of human and civil rights of all citizens. Building open and inclusive societies implies the enhancement of social, cultural and political participation and economic integration of all citizens”.
For further information, please contact: Eugenia Lalario, email: elalario@npwj.org, phone: +32 2 548 39 10 or Nicola Giovannini on ngiovannini@npwj.org or +32 2 548-3915.
