The annual observance of the International Day of Disabled Persons, 3 December, aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.
It also seeks to increase awareness of gains to be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.
The theme of the Day is based on the goal of full and equal enjoyment of human rights and participation in society by persons with disabilities, established by the World Programme of Action concerning Disabled Persons, adopted by the General Assembly in 1982.
Observance of the Day provides opportunities for participation by all interested communities - governmental, non-governmental and the private sector - to focus upon catalytic and innovative measures to further implement international norms and standards related to persons with disabilities. Schools, universities and similar institutions can make particular contributions with regard to promoting greater interest and awareness among interested parties of the social, cultural, economic, civil and political rights of persons with disabilities.
Hold forums, public discussions and information campaigns in support of the Day focusing on disability issues and trends and ways and means by which persons with disabilities and their families are pursuing independent life styles, sustainable livelihoods and financial security.
Plan and organize performances everywhere to showcase - and celebrate - the contributions by persons with disabilities to the societies in which they live and convene exchanges and dialogues focusing on the rich and varied skills, interests and aspirations of persons with disabilities.
A major focus of the Day is practical action to further implement international norms and standards concerning persons with disabilities and to further their participation in social life and development on the basis of equality.
The media have especially important contributions to make in support of the observance of the Day - and throughout the year - regarding appropriate presentation of progress and obstacles implementing disability-sensitive policies, programmes and projects and to promote public awareness of the contributions by persons with disabilities.
Themes and observances of previous years For more information, please contact: Department of Economic and Social Affairs Division for Social Policy and Development United Nations Headquarters Two United Nations Plaza, 13th Floor New York, N.Y. 10017 Fax: 1 (212) 963-3062.
Abdisalam Yussuf Farah , the Executive Director of Somaliland National Disablity Federation has recently announced plans to mark International day of people with disabilities 3rd December 2005. in all regions of Somaliland for the first time in history.
For the last three years SNDF have had International Day of Disabled Persons celebrations in theCapital city of Hargeisa
SNDF planned Various celebration activities in national level with the endeavour of demonstrating the potential of people with disabilities as well as to sustain this significant day for people with disabilities, against this year's international theme of the day 3rd December 2005 and accepted to high light the barriers people with disabilities face and are challenged with every day of their lives, at national level and in the regions for the first time in history.
National celebrations for IDD 3rd Dec 2005 make available great opportunities for government, organizations of persons with disabilities and the public at large to focus on the potential of persons with disabilities and to collectively work out with strategies on how to break down social and economic barriers that have contributed in discriminating and excluding people with disabilities.
It is based on the fact that most of Persons with disability in Somaliland and elsewhere have proven that they are able and willing to contribute to the economic, political and cultural life of their communities, however, they still face barriers that limit their full participation and their potentials.
A final activities report for IDD 2005 celebration will be submitted to all at the end of December 2005.
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