A CDPF/UNDP/UNOHCHR/CICETE joint publication entitled
Protecting the Rights of Persons with Disabilities:
International and Comparative Law and Practice was released
Wednesday to mark the International Day of Disabled
Persons.?
As the first of its kind produced in China, Protecting the
Rights of Persons with Disabilities: International and Comparative
Law and Practice, aims to provide a practical tool for legal
protection workers, researchers, and other social workers in order
to enhance their understanding of and contribute to the future
practices for promoting the rights of persons with disabilities.
The publication highlights the importance of sustaining the
momentum that has been generated as a result of valuable endeavors
initiated over the years. Most importantly, it is recognized that
this spirit must be maintained with the ongoing and continued
participation of all persons with disabilities.
This publication is one of the outputs of a subproject under the
UNDP Governance Umbrella program. In partnership with the Irish
government, Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for
Human Rights (UNOHCHR), CDPF and CICETE, the project supports the
enhancement of the capacity for national rights protection for
persons with disabilities in China.?
Chairman of China
Disabled Persons' Federation, Mr. Deng Pufang stated in his
opening remarks, "The Chinese government and disabled persons
organizations have taken an active part in the formulation of the
International Convention on Protection and Promotion of the Rights
of Persons with Disabilities. This publication has enabled us to
enhance our knowledge and understanding of the efforts made by the
international community in promoting the rights of persons with
disabilities. The enrichment of thinking and theories in disability
law and policy should be continued."
Mr. Khalid Malik, UN resident coordinator and UNDP resident
representative, delivered UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan's message
on the International Day of Disabled Persons and congratulated Mr.
Deng Pufang on winning the 2003 United Nations Prize in the Field
of Human Rights. Mr. Malik stressed in his remarks, "There is an
ongoing struggle to create societies with equal opportunities for
persons with disabilities. Success is possible and also necessary.
A key paradigm success has seen the shift to a rights-based
approach to address disability and to promote development. This
approach recognizes persons with disabilities as 'rights holders'
who should equally enjoy the full range of civil, political,
social, economic and cultural rights. We all, institutions and
individuals have a key role to play in identifying and removing
barriers which exclude or hinder the persons with disabilities to
mainstream into the society."
Mr. Ding Erzhong, vice managing director of Sichuan Disabled
Persons Federation commented, "As a disabled person and a rights
protection worker myself, I am eager to know more about
international practices and make more foreign friends through
disabled persons organizations abroad. The book is exactly what I
am looking for."
The Beijing launch was attended by senior representatives from
UNDP, the Ministry of Justice, the National People's Congress, the
Political Science and Law Committee of CPC Central Committee, the
China Disabled Persons' Federation, the All-China Federation of
Industry and Commerce, the China Communist Youth League, the
All-China Women's Federation, persons with disabilities, research
institutes, donors, international organizations, private sector and
other VIP guests. The launch was moderated by Ms. Yang Lan,
chairperson of Sun Television Cybernetworks CO., LTD.
About the International Day of Disabled Persons
The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed, in resolution
47/3 of October 14, 1992 that December 3 be observed every year as
the International Day of Disabled Persons. The International Day of
Disabled Persons has been observed annually since 1992 to promote
an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the
dignity, rights and well-being of persons with
disabilities.?
This year it will be celebrated with the theme "A Voice of Our
Own" to focus on the voice of persons with disabilities which often
goes unheard in the mainstream society.
(China.org.cn December 3, 2003)