PHYSICAL, CULTURAL, SOCIAL BARRIERS TO DISABLED PERSONS MUST BE BROKEN, SAYS SECRETARY-GENERAL IN MESSAGE ON INTERNATIONAL DAY
Press Release
SG/SM/5831
PHYSICAL, CULTURAL, SOCIAL BARRIERS TO DISABLED PERSONS MUST BE BROKEN, SAYS SECRETARY-GENERAL IN MESSAGE ON INTERNATIONAL DAY
19951201 ADVANCE TEXT Following is Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali's message on the occasion of the third International Day of Disabled Persons, which will be commemorated on 3 December 1995:Disabled people live an experience of difference. They draw strength from qualities denied in similar measure to others -- whether of courage, or compassion, or simply an indomitability of spirit.
The United Nations Decade of Disabled Persons (1983-1992) helped the world recognize that problems arise from environments that pose physical, cultural and social barriers to the participation of disabled people in society. These barriers must be broken. Resolution of the problems of disabled people must be part of an overall strategy of fresh economic and social policies.
A series of important steps have been taken in this regard, including: the World Programmes of Action concerning disabled persons; the Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities; and the Long-Term Strategy on Disability. The principles of full participation and equality have also been incorporated in the plans and programmes of Action adopted at the World Summit Conferences on Human Rights, Population, Social Development and Women.
Today there is clearly a greater awareness, understanding and recognition of the needs, capabilities and potential of disabled persons. But much more remains to be achieved. The situation is particularly serious in developing countries and in societies confronted with civil strife, violence, conflict, famine and diseases.
The role of the United Nations is to play a catalytic role, to build a common understanding, a shared vision and consensus on the further actions that are required. It has prepared a series of guidelines and manuals on disability-related issues. It has convened meetings, conferences, seminars,
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symposia. The time for concrete action has arrived. I urge all governments, organizations and agencies of the United Nations system, as well as intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, to support the work of the special rapporteur responsible for the monitoring of the Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities. Governments should consider the inclusion of disability components in their technical cooperation programmes.
It is specific action such as this that will give vigour and content to the resolve expressed by heads of State and government in their fiftieth anniversary Declaration at the United Nations this October to "ensure that the rights of persons who can be particularly vulnerable to abuse or neglect, including persons with disabilities, are protected".
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