All about International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2021
Disability is a global concern that has affected millions all across the world. In order to raise awareness about people with disabilities and promote their overall well-being in all spheres of life, International Day of Persons with Disabilities or World Disabled Day is observed every year on 3rd December. According to some estimates, 15 per cent of the global population lives with some kind of disability and around 80 per cent of these people belong to developing countries like India.
People with Disabilities (PwDs) often suffer from social, political, economic, cultural, educational and health disadvantages. That is why commemorating International Day of Persons with Disabilities goes a long way in motivating differently-abled people to come forward and contribute in the sustainable global growth.
History behind International Day of Persons with Disabilities
In the year 1992, the General Assembly of the United Nations issued a resolution called 47/3 that aimed to raise global awareness about the problems faced by disabled people in every aspect of life. This is when the idea of dedicating a day to this cause was founded. Since then, International Day of Persons with Disabilities has been observed annually.
The day was further recognised when in 2006, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) was established. CRPD’s agenda solely focussed on including disabled people in the implementation of a sustainable society and other world development schemes by the year 2030.
Significance of International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Individuals living with disabilities often suffer from discrimination, lack of equal opportunities (especially in education and healthcare) and are overlooked during times of crisis. International Day of Persons with Disabilities preaches to end this discrimination, offer them rightful opportunities, improve their health and educational conditions, include them in all spheres of the society, improve their lifestyle and promote their mental and physical well-being. The key is to make people aware of their problems and help them overcome them and in turn, making this world a better place for those with physical challenges.
Theme of International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2021
This year, the United Nations announced that the theme of International Day of Persons with Disabilities will be “Leadership and participation of persons with disabilities toward an inclusive, accessible and sustainable post Covid-19 world.” The objective is to empathize and prioritise them for today and the rest of the year. Several panel discussions, webinars, workshops and cultural events are held every year to celebrate this day.