UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the universal benefits of true inclusion in his message for the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
He highlighted how people with disabilities contribute significantly to societal progress through leadership that enhances disaster readiness, broadens access to education and employment, and ensures comprehensive humanitarian aid.
‘Structural failures’ persist
Li Jinhua, head of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, noted that last month’s Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha reinforced the idea that genuine social progress requires the inclusion of everyone.
However, individuals with disabilities still face barriers such as heightened poverty and are twice as likely to be unemployed, alongside exclusion from a digital world.
“These are structural failures that undermine our collective potential,” Li remarked in a recorded message during a virtual event for the Day.
Deaf youth lead at the UN
The event included participants from the Deaf Leaders of Tomorrow Foundation (DLTF), which is promoting a youth-led initiative on sign language rights at the UN.
The initiative includes training at DTLF, Gallaudet University, and UN Headquarters in New York, preparing deaf youth in human rights, disability principles, diplomacy, and global advocacy.
“It strengthens global development, moving from a disability framework to a human rights framework,” said DLTF’s Yana Hadjihristova in sign language.
She called on Member States and UN agencies to include sign language rights in youth frameworks and develop a global sign language equity strategy.
“Sign language creates leaders. Deaf leaders create inclusion. And when the United Nations promotes sign language equity, the entire human rights system becomes stronger,” she declared.
From commitment to action
A declaration adopted in Doha provides a “clear blueprint” for the full inclusion of persons with disabilities, said Mr. Li, focusing on integration, and inclusive health, education, and employment policies.
UNDESA is committed to helping Member States turn these commitments into national policy.
“Societies that support persons with disabilities are resilient and equitable for all,” he affirmed.
Advocacy over inspiration
In New York, the UN Global Advocate for Persons with Disabilities in Conflict and Peacebuilding Situations expressed disappointment at the unchanged situation of this population.
Photojournalist Gilles Duley, who lost three limbs in Afghanistan, stated that his role is to convey stories from the frontline, not to inspire.
“My job is to share stories, because the reality for people with disabilities has not changed,” he said.
“I feel I failed in my position because I’ve not truly been an advocate.”
Mr. Duley noted that while persons with disabilities are often seen as inspirational, the stories of those truly vulnerable are frequently overlooked, saying, “We can’t romanticize disability.”
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