Observing the International Day
of Disabled Persons
3 December
1997 Theme: Disability, Arts and Sports
Guidelines
The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed, in resolution
47/3 of 14 October 1992 that 3 December be observed every year as the International
Day of Disabled Persons. The Day was initially proclaimed to commemorate the
anniversary of the General Assembly's adoption of the World Programme of Action concerning
Disabled Persons to promote understanding about disability issues and to increase
awareness of gains to be derived from the integration of disabled persons in every aspect
of political, social economic and cultural life. Observance of the Day should also include
monitoring of the implementation of recommendations agreed upon by the disabled community
and others concerned.
Observing the International Day of Disabled Persons
During the past two decades, much has been accomplished in
recognition of disabled persons. One of the turning points was the International Year of
Disabled Persons proclaimed by the General Assembly in 1981. Following the year, the
International Decade of Disabled Persons was designated (IYDP 1983-1992) to promote
"equality" and "full participation" of disabled persons in social life
and development. The following instruments were adopted by the General Assembly: the World
Programme of Action concerning Disabled Persons in 1982 and the Standard Rules on
Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities in 1993. For monitoring the
implementation of the Standard Rules, a Special Rapporteur was appointed by the
Secretary-General in 1994. He has been working closely with Governments to assist them in
implementing the Standard Rules. His mandate was extended for another three years
(1997-2000) at the 35th session of the Commission for Social Development in 1997. His
latest report is available at internet address: www.un.org/dpcsd/. The Long-Term Strategy
to further the implementation of the World Programme of Action to the Year 2000 and beyond
was also adopted by the General Assembly in 1994.
The International Day of Disabled Persons provides an opportunity for governments,
organizations of disabled persons and all in society to focus on the freedoms and
potentials of persons with disabilities. There are many examples of initiatives undertaken
by governments and organizations for disabled persons in observance of previous
International Days of Disabled Persons. The year 1997, the theme for the Day is
"Disability, Arts and Sports". Through arts and sports persons with disabilities
all over the world are fully participating in society and contributing to artistic and
athletic expressions of human society.
In recognition of the Day, governments and non-governmental organizations may wish to:
- Organize forums on disability issues, especially on arts and sports, and initiate
discussions on the needs, interests, and aspirations of disabled persons (e.g., Week of
Solidarity for Disabled Persons to discuss fuller participation of disabled persons in
arts and sports, as well as the social and vocational rehabilitation programmes available,
and the strategic measures and recommendations for action);
- Meet to discuss ways to implement the "Standard Rules on the Equalization of
Opportunities for Persons with disabilities" with a special focus on Rule 10 and 11;
- Take stock of the progress made throughout the year as well as obstacles encountered
during the implementation of disability policies and programmes;
- Proclaim the rights of disabled persons in national legislation;
- Promote solidarity "through arts and sports" between persons with disabilities
and society as a whole, as symbolized by the emblem of the IYDP;
- Encourage regional and local celebration of the Day to avoid concentration of activities
in one venue;
- Explore options for involving international and regional organizations and potential
donors in contributing to the improvement of the situation of disabled persons through
articulating their needs and concerns, identifying practical solutions, and assisting with
the implementation of suggested policies (e.g., national fund-raising activities in the
disability field to promote participation of persons with disabilities in arts and
sports).
- Organize and participate in local, national and international activities to advance the
status of disabled persons globally. To achieve this objective athletes and artists all
over the world should take an active role in organizing events to promote artistic and
athletic expressions of artists and athletes with disabilities.
- Seek the involvement of schools, universities and other academic institutions;
- Sensitize the public regarding human rights for persons with disabilities and raise
public awareness of the problems, needs and potential of disabled persons through arts and
sports;
- Give special recognition to organizations of artists and athletes that have contributed
to the advancement of persons with disabilities through arts and sports;
- Involve churches, synagogues and other religious institutions in celebrating the Day of
Disabled Persons;
All parties ought to accord special attention to the role of the mass media especially
those dealing with arts and sports in preparing for the observance of the International
Day of Disabled Persons.
For more information contact: Division for Social Policy and Development, United
Nations, Two United Nations Plaza, New York, N.Y. 10017 FAX: (1 212) 963-3062.
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