He highlighted that people with disabilities drive progress that benefits all, highlighting how their leadership has improved disaster preparedness, expanded inclusive education and employment, and ensured humanitarian responses reach those most at risk.
‘Structural failures’ persist
The head of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), Li Jinhua, recalled that at the Second World Summit on Social Development held last month in Doha, the international community reaffirmed that true social progress is only achieved when everyone is included.
However, people with disabilities continue to face obstacles to their integration, including increased multidimensional poverty. They are also twice as likely to be unemployed, as well as being excluded from a world that is increasingly moving online.
“These are not just statistics. They are structural failures that undermine our collective potential,” he said in a recorded message at a virtual event to mark the Day.
Deaf youth lead at the UN
Participants included representatives from the Deaf Leaders of Tomorrow Foundation (DLTF), an international nonprofit organization spearheading a youth-led pilot initiative on sign language rights at the UN.
It involves training at DTLF, Gallaudet University – the first institution of its kind in the world for deaf and hard of hearing students – and at the United Nations headquarters in New York, so that deaf youth gain a foundation in human rights frameworks, disability rights principles, diplomacy and global advocacy.
The initiative does more than just train young leaders, but also “strengthens global development, moving from the disability framework to the human rights framework,” said Yana Hadjihristova of DLTF in sign language.
He urged Member States and UN agencies to integrate sign language rights into all youth frameworks, adopt a global sign language equity strategy and ensure that deaf youth play a greater role in decision-making.
“The message we bring is simple and powerful,” he said. “Sign language creates leaders. Deaf leaders create inclusion. And when the United Nations promotes equity in sign language, the entire human rights system is strengthened.”
From commitment to action
In Doha, countries adopted a declaration that outlined “a clear plan” toward the full inclusion and participation of people with disabilities, Mr. Li said.
Actions include social integration policies and programs, which address needs and guarantee inclusive, accessible and equitable health services, housing, education, universal social protection and employment opportunities.
He said UNDESA is fully committed to supporting Member States to translate commitments into national policies.
“As we move forward, let us remember that societies that work for people with disabilities are resilient, equitable and prosperous for all, leaving no one behind.”
Defense over inspiration
In New York, the outgoing United Nations Global Advocate for People with Disabilities in Conflict and Peacebuilding Situations said he felt he had failed in the role and noted that the situation for this population has not changed.
Photojournalist Gilles Duley, who lost three limbs in Afghanistan, said his job as an advocate is to bring stories from the front lines. However, as a person with a disability, he is often asked to give inspirational talks.
“I’m not here as an advocate to inspire people. My job is to share stories, because the reality on the ground for people with disabilities has not changed,” he said.
“So, I feel like I failed in my position here. I feel like I’ve accomplished very little because I haven’t had the opportunity to truly be a defender.”
Mr Duley said that too often people with disabilities are presented as inspiring and resilient, and they are, “but that means that the stories of those left behind and who are truly vulnerable are often ignored or forgotten. We cannot romanticize the idea of disability.”