Globally, one billion people or 15% of the entire global population are confronted with some form of disability. Prevalent in countries that are still developing, an estimated one-fifth or between 110 million and 190 million people of the world’s population suffer significant disabilities. People with disabilities are vulnerable to adverse economic and social life conditions such as poor health conditions, less or lack of access to education, lower employment opportunities, and high rate of poverty. The United Nations General Assembly in a bid to cater to the needs of people with disabilities proclaimed December 3 of every year as the International Day of Disabled Persons in 1992 with resolution 47/3.
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Annually, the International Day of Persons With Disabilities aims to promote and encourage global understanding of issues related to people living with disabilities and equally mobilize support for the rights, dignity, and well-being of people facing disabilities. December 3rd also seeks to create and increase awareness of the gains the globe can derive from elevating people with disabilities in all aspects of life, be it social, economic, political, and culturally.
With the theme “Building Back Better: toward a disability-inclusive, accessible and sustainable post-COVID-19 World,” the 2020 commemoration of the International Day of Persons With Disabilities aims to outline the importance of promoting an inclusive culture environment for disabled persons and the need to respond urgently to all their social needs especially during COVID-19.
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The fact that at some point in our lives, everyone will be temporarily or permanently confronted with one form of disability or the other makes it essential for all parts of the globe to develop mechanisms that can easily respond to the needs of disabled persons. Owing to the fact that COVID-19 has continued with wide-reaching impacts globally, it is extremely important to examine how disabled persons are uniquely impacted by the virus with key areas such as health, education, and transport in consideration.
Sources
UN
WHO
World Bank
Featured Image Source: The United Nations
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