UN chief calls for greater inclusion of disabled people in society

Today, 3 December is celebrated as International Disabilities Day. As the world is battling Covid crisis, there is an urgent need to look into how the disabled community can prosper post a pandemic. United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for greater inclusion of people with disabilities in society, including in Covid-19 response and recovery.

While addressing countries that are part of 2006 Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Guterres said, “Realizing the rights of persons with disabilities is crucial to fulfilling the core promise of the 2030 Agenda: to leave no one behind”. One of his tweets said, “I take this issue of disability inclusion extremely seriously. Securing equal rights for persons with disabilities is enshrined in the values of the @UN Charter and a core promise of the #GlobalGoals: to leave no one behind”.

Guterres further added that the international goal must be to create a world where all persons can enjoy equal opportunities, participate in decision-making and also enjoy economic, social, political and cultural life. Guterres highlighted how the pandemic has affected more than 1 billion disabled people across the world. Many others renowned speakers from the disability space also shared their views.

Like most events of the UN that were held this year, disabilities day was also addressed virtually and in some places in person.

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