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)