Take unified action to save and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals for persons with disabilities, together with and relying on persons with disabilities

December 3, the International Day of Disabled Persons, is an annual event aimed at promoting understanding of disability issues and mobilizing support for the dignity, rights, and well-being of persons with disabilities.

I. Purpose of Establishment

There are 650 million persons with disabilities worldwide, accounting for about 10% of the world's total population, of which 80% live in developing countries. Over the years, thanks to the efforts of the international community, some progress has been made around the world in safeguarding the rights of persons with disabilities and building a barrier-free society. However, due to the continuing environmental, social, and legal barriers that marginalize persons with disabilities, their rights in areas such as employment, education, and healthcare remain restricted to varying degrees. In December 2006, the 61st United Nations General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, in which Article 27 clearly stipulates that persons with disabilities have the right to equal employment. However, according to surveys by relevant UN agencies, only a small proportion of persons with disabilities can find work. In many countries, up to 80% of persons with disabilities are unable to find work upon reaching employment age, a proportion far higher than that of persons without disabilities. To emphasize the right of persons with disabilities to equal employment, the United Nations set the theme for the 2007 International Day of Disabled Persons as "Decent Work for Persons with Disabilities," calling on all sectors of society to provide employment opportunities for persons with disabilities so that they can truly integrate into society and realize their full potential within it.

II. Development History

Due to physical, legal, and social barriers, persons with disabilities often cannot enjoy political, economic, social, and cultural rights equally with persons without disabilities. This phenomenon had long failed to receive sufficient attention from society. In 1976, to draw society's attention to persons with disabilities, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 1981 as the "International Year of Disabled Persons" and identified the theme of "Full Participation and Equality." In December 1982, the 37th United Nations General Assembly adopted the World Programme of Action Concerning Disabled Persons, proclaiming 1983 to 1992 as the "United Nations Decade of Disabled Persons" and calling on countries and international organizations worldwide to actively carry out activities to enhance people's understanding of and respect for persons with disabilities, improve their living conditions, and enable them to enjoy equal opportunities to participate in society.

From October 12 to 13, 1992, the 47th United Nations General Assembly held its first special session on disability issues since the founding of the UN. The Assembly adopted a resolution designating December 3 each year as the "International Day of Disabled Persons."

On October 14, 1992, the 47th United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution, the main contents of which were:
(1) To request all Member States and relevant organizations to intensify their efforts and adopt sustained and effective measures to improve the situation of persons with disabilities;
(2) To proclaim December 3 of each subsequent year as the "International Day of Disabled Persons";
(3) To urge governments, as well as national, regional, and international organizations, to cooperate fully in the implementation of the resolution on the "International Day of Disabled Persons."

III. Impact

The establishment of the "International Day of Disabled Persons" indicates that, on a global scale, the cause of persons with disabilities is increasingly attracting widespread attention. People of different races are beginning to form a consensus that the cause of persons with disabilities is a humanitarian cause, a noble and honorable cause, and a cause of human progress and justice. Celebrating the International Day of Disabled Persons provides an opportunity for people to change their attitudes toward persons with disabilities and to remove the barriers that prevent them from fully participating in all aspects of life.