International Day of Persons With Disabilities 2023
The International Day of Persons With Disabilities took place on December 3, 2023. This day celebrates disability inclusion, which is essential for promoting the rights and dignity of people with disabilities. Efforts to promote disability rights acknowledge the barriers people with disabilities encounter in accessing employment, housing, healthcare, and other opportunities.
News and Resources
President Joseph R. Biden, Jr.
On International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the Biden administration recommits to building a world where disabled people everywhere are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve and are afforded an equal shot at achieving their dreams. Over 180 nations around the world have passed laws which delivering justice to millions of people with disabilities. But there is still more to do at home and abroad to ensure they have equal opportunities. As we celebrate the dignity, resilience, and immense contributions of disabled people everywhere, we recognize that our progress is not just about protecting disability rights — it is about promoting disability pride.
United Nations
The world is not on track to meet numerous Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, which are outlined in the United Nation’s (UN) 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Preliminary findings show that the world is even more off-track in meeting SDGs for people with disabilities. It is critical for there to be a fundamental shift in commitment, solidarity, financing, and action in order to meet these goals. In August 2023, the Secretary-General António Guterres submitted his fourth report on steps taken by the UN system to implement the UN Disability Inclusion Strategy in 2022.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres
This year marks the halfway point to the UN’s 2030 Agenda. People with disabilities continue to face systemic discrimination and barriers that restrict their meaningful inclusion in all areas of society. It is necessary to work side-by-side with people with disabilities in efforts to achieve the SDGs.
The United Nations General Assembly first proclaimed the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) was first proclaimed in 1992, on December 3rd around the world. IDPD mobilizes support for critical issues relating to the inclusion of persons with disabilities, promotes awareness-raising about disability issues, and draws attention to the benefits of an inclusive and accessible society for all.
On this Day, WHO joined partners around the world to call for action to achieve the sustainable development goals (SDGs) for, with, and by persons with disabilities. More than 1.3 billion people experience significant disability, which represents 16% of the global population. Many persons with disabilities experience more limitations in everyday functioning than the rest of the population. Achieving the SDGs for, with, and by persons with disabilities is now, more than ever, within our reach, so long as we are united.
Reports
United Nations
This is the fourth report on the status of disability inclusion across 131 UN country teams and United Nations entities. The report analyzes the continued actions underway by UN teams and entities and reflects on the progress made to advance disability inclusion, highlights new or continuing challenges and opportunities presented through the Strategy’s implementation, and emphasizes key areas of focus needed to continue mobilizing the system towards an inclusive, accessible and sustainable world for all.
