The purpose behind celebrating the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, is to pave way for disabled persons to be more socially active, as well as to protect the rights guaranteed to them, says the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM).
The commission on Monday, publicized a statement commemorating the day celebrated worldwide on the 03rd of December to support the rights and well-being of such persons.
Highlighting that disabled persons must be provided the respect, affection and compassion they deserve, the statement reads that the day is celebrated to create awareness in society, on the issues persons with disabilities face.
The statement stresses that the majority of cases submitted at the commission revolves around negligence on the family’s end, inadequate care and attention as well as the discrimination persons with disabilities face.
HRCM urged the public to empower persons with disabilities by paving a way for them to maintain a stable life and to acquire proper treatment as well as to empower them to bring out the best in them for a better future. The statement appealed on all to create a better environment for disabled persons.
As such, since 1992, the United Nations have been observing the day globally, with this year’s theme being:
“Empowering persons with disabilities and ensuring inclusiveness and equality”
The UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs stated that the theme focuses on empowering persons with disabilities for the “inclusive, equitable and sustainable development envisaged in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”, which pledges to “leave no one behind”.
Highlighting that the dignity of an individual as well as distributed equality is applied as a fundamental principle, the department stated:
“It is critical to ensure, in this regard, the full and equal participation of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society and create enabling environments by, for and with persons with disabilities”.
The HRCM stated it is the responsibility of every citizen to ensure the dignity, affection and care guaranteed to all disabled persons is given. The commission urged the public to treat such individuals equally, and to pave way for them to be a part of society like any normal person.
