In a message commemorating Sunday’s International Day of Older Persons, the UN chief underscored the pervasive issue of ageism in society and the vulnerability of older persons in the face of crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, poverty and climate emergencies. “Addressing these and other issues is a human rights...
“Today and every day, let us fully recognize the active and diverse contributions of persons with autism to our societies,” UN Secretary-General António Guterres said. “Let us work together with persons with autism to build an inclusive and accessible world for all.” ‘We must do better’ Despite important progress, he...
In his latest report to the Council, the UN Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities, Gerard Quinn, outlined how more inclusive policy approaches and innovative private sector involvement can spur progress. “States and societies at large must move away from systems that were historically built to provide...
In his message, Mr. Guterres noted that greater public-private sector collaboration is needed, in order to develop strategies that benefit persons with disabilities, who should also be involved in their development. The UN chief pointed to the UN’s internal efforts to make the Organization more accessible to persons with disabilities,...
“Many persons with disabilities die earlier, some up to 20 years earlier, and more are at risk – double the risk – of developing a range of health conditions compared to the general population,” said Darryl Barrett, WHO’s Technical Lead for Sensory Functions, Disability and Rehabilitation, briefing reporters in Geneva. The Global...
Alice Cruz, who advocates for people diagnosed with the age-old disease, delivered her latest report to the UN General Assembly in New York. She cited the physical impairments that leprosy causes, as well as discrimination based on harmful stereotypes surrounding the disease, as grounds for their full recognition in accordance...