Statement on the Occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities

December 3 marks the annual International Day of Persons with Disabilities, a global observance established by the United Nations in 1992 to support persons with disabilities. This day aims to enhance understanding of disability-related issues and promote inclusive designs to uphold the rights of persons with disabilities. It also calls for greater awareness of the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in political, economic, and cultural life, encouraging everyone to reflect on their needs and contribute in any way they can.

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities emphasizes the full and effective participation of persons with disabilities in their communities, as well as their inclusion in development plans and programs. It also aims to raise comprehensive awareness of their health rights and educate their families about the services available to them free of charge to ease their daily lives. Moreover, it underscores the importance of ensuring equal opportunities for persons with disabilities, regardless of their needs or location, and advocates for their inclusion in all development programs.

While the global focus on this day is promoting these rights, the situation for persons with disabilities in Palestine, particularly in the Gaza Strip, is dire. For the past 425 days, they have endured relentless bombardment, killings, and acts of genocide. They continue to call upon the international community to end this unjust aggression, yet practical responses remain absent.

 How much longer will this appalling situation, which shames humanity, persist?

The Israeli occupation forces have flagrantly violated the rights of persons with disabilities as outlined in Article 11 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which guarantees protection during armed conflicts, humanitarian emergencies, and natural disasters. These actions are violations of international law and human rights law, as well as a failure to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety and well-being of persons with disabilities in dangerous circumstances. Furthermore, the occupation forces have deliberately targeted persons with disabilities, resulting in their deaths at numerous sites. The forces have also caused over 10,000 individuals to become disabled, 40% of whom are children, despite both Palestine and Israel being signatories to this convention.

  • We call upon the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the 180 signatory states of the convention to pressure the occupying power to halt its genocide against persons with disabilities in Gaza. Furthermore, we demand accountability for the crimes committed by the occupation, including the killing and destruction of all aspects of life in Gaza, holding the occupation fully responsible for these atrocities.
  • We urge international and UN organizations to provide the necessary support to persons with disabilities to ensure their dignity amid the worst humanitarian conditions imaginable in this era.
  • Additionally, we call on all national and local institutions to include persons with disabilities in their programs, activities, and services, meeting their needs within an inclusive and rights-based environment.

Persons with disabilities in Gaza raise their banner: "Protect Us in Gaza... It Is Our Right to Be Protected."

#ProtectUsInGaza
#إحمونا_في_غزة

 

 

#إحمونا في غزة Protect us in Gaz

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