SECRETARY-GENERAL'S MESSAGE ON INTERNATIONAL DAY OF DISABLED PERSONS CITES DISCRIMINATION AGAINST 'WORLD'S LARGEST MINORITY'
Press Release
SG/SM/6406
SOC/4427
SECRETARY-GENERAL'S MESSAGE ON INTERNATIONAL DAY OF DISABLED PERSONS CITES DISCRIMINATION AGAINST 'WORLD'S LARGEST MINORITY'
19971128 ADVANCE TEXT Following is the text of the message by Secretary-General Kofi Annan on the occasion of the International Day of Disabled Persons, 3 December:More than 500 million men, women and children suffer some mental, physical or sensory impairment, making people with disabilities one of the world's largest minorities. In developed and developing countries alike, they face discrimination and are found disproportionately among the poorest strata of society. This is a "silent crisis", affecting not only disabled persons and their families, but also the economic and social development of entire societies.
The United Nations, since its founding, has been at the centre of global efforts to promote the well-being and rights of people with disabilities.
The United Nations Charter and Universal Declaration of Human Rights stress the dignity and worth of the human person and the equal rights of men and women.
The World Programme of Action concerning Disabled Persons, adopted by the General Assembly in 1982, and the United Nations Standard Rules on Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities, adopted in 1993, represent political and moral commitments by Member States to enhance disability prevention, to improve rehabilitation and other services and to fight against prejudice.
The theme of this year's observance of International Day of Disabled Persons -- "arts, sports and disabilities" -- highlights the achievements and contributions of artists and athletes with disabilities. Arts and sports play a vital role in preparing people with disabilities for learning and career success. Participation nurtures the independence and self-worth of persons with disabilities, and contributes to the cultural and economic life of their communities. This, in turn, can help bring about positive changes in public attitudes.
This year's observance is also an occasion to salute Handicap International, a French and Belgian non-governmental organization that was
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among the founders of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize for 1997. The International Campaign and Handicap International have been highly successful in raising pubic awareness about the devastating impact of anti-personnel mines on people and societies, and in achieving agreement on a worldwide ban. With an estimated 110 million mines and pieces of unexploded ordnance already in the ground around the world, it is my great hope that the landmark Convention on the prohibition of mines being opened for signature today in Ottawa will help put an end to the terror and disability wrought by these terrible weapons.
People with disabilities possess an enormous reservoir of talent and energy that must be tapped. On the International Day of Disabled Persons, let us remember that the world is not monolithic, and let us renew our pledge to do our utmost to build a world in which every citizen can participate fully and actively.
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