The United Nations (UN) International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPwD) is annually observed across the globe on 3 December to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilise support for the dignity, rights, and well-being of persons with disabilities.
- IDPD also seeks to increase awareness about the situation of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic, and cultural life.
The 2023 theme of IDPwD is, “United in action to rescue and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for, with, and by persons with disabilities“.
Background:
i.In October 1992, as the UN Decade of Disabled Persons (1983–1992) drew to an end, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/47/3 and designated 3 December as an annual International Day of Disabled Persons.
ii.The 1st observance of International Day of Disabled Persons was marked on 3 December 1992.
iii.In December 2007, the UN renamed the title International Day of Disabled Persons, observed every year on 3 December, as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities(IDPwD) under the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) by the UNGA resolution A/RES/62/127.
- Since 2008, the day is observed as International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
What is Disability?
i.The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) defines disability as a long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairment.
ii.The impairment, when interacting with the environment, can make it difficult for a person to participate in society equally.
Note: The UNCRPD is an international human rights treaty that aims to ensure that people with disabilities can fully and equally enjoy their human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Key Facts:
i.According to WHO, Over 1.3 billion people, constituting 16% of the world population, face significant disabilities..
ii.Persons with disabilities encounter higher mortality rates, increased health risks, and greater limitations in daily life, termed “health inequities.”
iii.Discrimination, inequitable policies, healthcare access, and negative attitudes contribute to health inequities, emphasizing the need for systemic change.
UN’s Disability Inclusion Strategy (UNDIS): Launched by UN Secretary-General António Guterres in 2019, UNDIS provides a framework for transformative change, fostering progress and empowerment globally.
2023 Events:
i.The annual commemoration of the IDPwD took place at the UN Headquarters in New York, the United States of America (USA) on 1 December 2023.
- A moderate panel discussion was also organized and was structured around 5 pillars of sustainable development – People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace, and Partnerships.
ii.At its headquarters in Geneva (Switzerland), World Health Organisation (WHO) organises an annual IDPwD event to educate the public, raise awareness, advocate for political will and resources, and celebrate WHO’s achievements.
Events in India: President Droupadi Murmu Presented National Awards for the Empowerment of Divyangjan 2023
On the occasion of the IDPwD 2023(3rd December 2023), The President of India, Droupadi Murmu presented the National Awards for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) 2023 during the event organised at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi, Delhi.
- A total of 30 awards (21 individuals and 9 institutions) were given to individuals, institutions, organizations, states, and districts for their outstanding achievements and work towards the empowerment of Divyangjan.
Click here for the citation of the 2023 winners
About National Awards for Empowerment of Divyangjan:
The award is annualy presented by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DoEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment(MoSJE) since 1969.
- Until 2017, the Award Scheme was administered by the National Awards Rules, 2013, which established 7 categories of disability in accordance with the Persons with Disabilities Act, 1995.
- With the implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, on April 19, 2017, the number of identified disabilities grew from 7 to 21 under the new law.
- Following this, All 21 disabilities have been included in the National Award Guidelines, which were published in the Extraordinary Gazette of India on August 2, 2018.
