Message of Commissioner for Fundamental Rights on International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Some 15% of the global population, i.e., more than one billion people live with some kind of disability, and the international day held on 3 December each year, at UN’s initiative, aims to draw attention to their situation. The past few years have seen an increase in global attention paid to the need for a different approach and the tasks arising from this need, in the interests of people with disabilities. The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities adopted on 13 December 2006 meant a critical change in the approach to persons with disabilities, as it declared the principles that guarantee equal dignity, independence, self-determination and equal social inclusion to persons with disabilities.  

By now, the idea that disability is not a personal characteristic feature but a complexity of conditions and structures has become more and more accepted. In addition to lasting physical obstacles, with several other barriers, the hindrance of the person in question from being fully, efficiently and equally involved in society is critical. At the same time, this approach results in such a change in mindsets which acknowledges that people with disabilities may be hindered in certain aspects but they are equal to everybody else, they have the same rights and obligations as the other members of society. Also, it is a key task of society to avert all obstacles that prevent the enforcement of all this.

The protection of the rights of persons with disabilities is given more attention than before, as part of the tasks of the Commissioner for Fundamental Rights set out in the CRPD Independent Monitoring Mechanism, as it is one of his key tasks to investigate into the implementation of the requirements set out in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Hungary, as well as to support the relevant processes. 

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities is the only day of the 365 days of the year which directs more focus of attention on persons with disabilities: to their difficulties, challenges and achievements, which may serve as examples for each member of the society. 

On the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we should pay special attention to those who live with disabilities, as well as the family members, helpers and communities who support them. The real power of society lies in the sense of solidarity, acceptance and ensuring equal opportunities, said the Commissioner for Fundamental Rights.