Statement on the International Day of Disabled Persons

Today on the International Day of Disabled Persons, UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, calls for action to protect their human rights.

Some 650 million people, about 10 per cent of the world’s population, live with a disability. Many are marginalized, deprived of freedom and opportunity and subjected to human rights violations.

Historically, disabled persons have endured forced sterilization, forced abortion and forced marriage. Due to stigma and discrimination, disabled persons are often denied opportunities to pursue their aspirations. And studies show that persons with disabilities are up to three times more likely to be victims of physical and sexual abuse, and are at increased risk of HIV/AIDS.

The international goal to achieve universal access to reproductive health cannot be achieved unless persons with disabilities are brought into the mainstream and included in policies and programmes to improve sexual and reproductive health.

UNFPA welcomes the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which is due to be adopted this month in the United Nations General Assembly.

Today, we take the opportunity to pledge our support to the inclusion in society and enjoyment of human rights by disabled persons everywhere.