Discussions around promoting greater inclusion of people with disabilities in society topped the agenda at the United Nations on Wednesday.
"When inclusion is real, everyone benefits," UN Secretary-General António Guterres said in his message to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
He stressed that people with disabilities drive progress that benefits everyone, highlighting how their leadership has improved disaster preparedness, expanded inclusive education and employment, and ensured that humanitarian responses reach those most at risk.
'Structural failures' persist
The head of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), Li Jinhua, recalled that at the Second World Summit for Social Development held last month in Doha, the international community reaffirmed that real social progress is only achieved when everyone is included.
Yet persons with disabilities continue to face obstacles to integration, including higher multi-dimensional poverty. They are also twice as likely to be unemployed, in addition to being excluded from a world moving increasingly online.
"These are not just statistics. They are structural failures that undermine our collective potential," he said in a recorded message at a virtual event to commemorate the Day.
Deaf youth lead at the UN
Participants included representatives from Deaf Leaders of Tomorrow Foundation (DLTF), an international non-profit that is spearheading a youth-led pilot initiative on sign language rights at the UN.
"The participation of deaf youth in global decision making is not simply an aspiration. It is a necessary condition for a just and inclusive world," said DLTF's Sean Maiwald, with sign language interpretation by Kenneth DeHaan.
The initiative involves training at DTLF, Gallaudet University - the world's first such institution for deaf and hard of hearing students - and at UN Headquarters in New York, so that deaf youth gain a foundation in human rights frameworks, disability rights principles, diplomacy and global advocacy.
Strengthening human rights
This does more than just train young leaders, but also "strengthens global development, departing from the disability framework to the human rights framework," added Yana Hadjihristova, also in sign language.
She urged Member States and UN agencies to integrate sign language rights into all youth frameworks, adopt a global sign language equity strategy, and ensure that deaf youth play a bigger role in decision-making.
"The message we bring is simple and powerful," she said. "Sign language creates leaders. Deaf leaders create inclusion. And when the United Nations promotes sign language equity, the entire human rights system becomes stronger."
From commitment to action
In Doha, countries adopted a declaration that outlined "a clear blueprint" towards full inclusion and participation of persons with disabilities, said Mr. Li.
Actions include social policies and programmes on integration, addressing needs as well as ensuring inclusive, accessible and equitable health services, housing, education, universal social protection and employment opportunities.
He said UNDESA is fully committed to supporting Member States in turning the commitments into national policy.
"As we move forward, let us remember societies that work for persons with disabilities are resilient, equitable and prosperous for all, leaving no one behind."
