World Disability Day December 3rd 2023 | International Disabled Day 2023

World Disability Day December 3^rd, 2023 

International Disabled Day 2023 

Now another International Day of Persons with Disabilities will be observed on December 3 to address the issues related to persons with disabilities worldwide and to strive for their economic and social development. 

On the occasion of the last International Day of Persons with Disabilities almost a year ago, when a person with a disability reflects and remembers the pledges and commitments made to them, as a result, a common disabled person may be compelled to think that, despite various ceremonies, seminars, and conferences held throughout the year, there has been no significant change in their lives. 

In reality, despite the promises and realizations made during such events continuing year after year, many disabled individuals continue to live in non-standard and uncertain conditions, unaware of what the future holds for them. 

Every individual with a visible physical impairment due to congenital or accidental reasons is not to be pitied. It is the responsibility of society to regard their dignity, just like considering the physical shortcomings of any individual. Showing special love and respect for these specific individuals is a mark of cultured societies worldwide, and it is the ethical and legal responsibility of every individual in such societies to uphold their dignity. 

Rather, on this day, many disabled people are seen protesting on the streets for their legitimate rights, such as visually impaired people. 

There is a need for social efforts to empower disabled individuals socially and financially. More than 12% of Pakistan's population faces various forms of disability. 

Every year on December 3rd, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities is celebrated worldwide. In the context of Pakistan, differently-abled individuals are an important part of any society and, like other citizens, have the right to lead their lives positively. 

This class of people is referred to as 'persons with disabilities' globally, to eliminate their sense of deprivation. However, merely giving them this label is not enough; what is needed is concrete actions in their favor. 

International human rights law guarantees all fundamental rights for persons with disabilities, and our national laws also include special provisions for them, such as quotas in employment, free education, healthcare, and other facilities. Despite these laws, numerous challenges persist for persons with disabilities, and addressing these issues is crucial. 

If people work with the understanding that the well-being of persons with disabilities is a mission, many things will improve. Resolving issues related to the mobility of disabled individuals can address numerous challenges we face. The government should work on urgent foundations for the welfare of disabled individuals. 

There is a need to provide maximum facilities to disabled individuals at the levels so that they can be motivated to pursue education. Efforts should be made to nurture them according to their understanding. Provision of employment and boosting their morale in every aspect of life is necessary. 

Creating an environment that eliminates social injustices against them is essential, ensuring they don't feel a sense of inferiority and can contribute positively to society as productive and efficient citizens. 

The message on this day is that, rising above color, race, and ethnicity, individual and social roles should be fulfilled for the welfare of special individuals so that they can flourish in the eyes of Allah Almighty all beloved Holy Prophets, and our beloved Last Prophet Mohammad (PBUH). 

The efforts of special individuals are an example for everyone. Any country and society cannot progress without including individuals with special abilities or diverse skills in all aspects of life. 

The government of Pakistan should continue to strive for equal rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities in every sphere of life. We must ensure that persons with disabilities have equal access to all rights, including health, education, employment, transportation, and the right to vote, and that every facility is equally accessible to them. 

Both the public and private sectors need to collaborate for the betterment of persons with disabilities. The media should play a significant role in raising awareness about the needs and rights of persons with disabilities. 

There is an issue with ramps in buildings; public places and government offices are not accessible to persons with disabilities. Even where ramps exist, they are not up to standard, and the angle of the ramp should not exceed 18 degrees. There is a lack of reliable data regarding persons with disabilities. The census should include households with persons with disabilities. 

Let us pledge on this day to continue playing our respective roles in making persons with disabilities active citizens in society and fully integrating them into the national mainstream. 

There is an immediate need to bridge the gap between the actual population of persons with disabilities and the registered figures. 

In educational, social, and economic initiatives, instead of humiliation or mockery, disabled people should be encouraged and supported. Following the directives of the judiciary (Supreme Court of Pakistan), allocating 3% of seats in mainstream educational institutions for various categories of disabled children will promote inclusion in the field of education. 

Although there is a special quota for government jobs for disabled individuals in the country, there is a need for measures to ensure complete implementation of the quota. They should be integrated into mainstream society with good treatment and cooperation, enabling them to lead fulfilling lives like ordinary citizens. 

International Day of Persons with Disabilities December 3, 2023 

I respectfully request my government to provide online employment opportunities for Persons with Disabilities who possess special computerized national identification cards. The government should take practical and concrete steps in this matter.