United Nations' (UN) International Day of Persons with Disabilities will be observed on Saturday under the theme of "Together for a better world for all: Including persons with disabilities in development" across the globe including Pakistan. The day focuses to increase the understanding of the issues around disabilities and attention to the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.
People with disabilities make up an estimated 15 percent of the world's population. Almost one-fifth of the estimated global totals of persons living with disabilities, or between 110-190 million, encounter significant difficulties. Furthermore, a quarter of the global population is directly affected by disability, as care-givers or family members.
On October 14, 1992, the UN General Assembly proclaimed December 3 as the International Day of Disabled Persons. This day was first observed on December 3, 1992. On December 18, 2007, the assembly changed the observance's name from the "International Day of Disabled Persons" to the "International Day of Persons with Disabilities". The new name was first used in 2008.
The goal of full and effective participation of persons with disabilities in society and development was established by the World Programme of Action concerning Disabled Persons, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1982. Many events are held on and around the International Day of Persons with Disabilities 3 each year. Many of these events aim to involve groups of people from all sections of society in upholding the rights of persons with disabilities and to celebrate the contributions by persons with disabilities to their communities.
Other events take the form of protests to highlight the difficulties disabled people have in playing a full role in the society. Examples of events include: forums with experts and disabled persons, public discussions, the presentation of information campaigns, exhibitions of art created by disabled people, social gatherings and fundraising activities to raise money to support disabled people.
It also aims at increasing the awareness of the gains for everybody if disabled persons are integrated into all aspects of political, social, economic and cultural life and raising money for resources for persons with disabilities. Experience shows that when persons with disabilities are empowered to participate and lead the process of development, their entire community benefits, as their involvement creates opportunities for everyone with or without a disability.
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