UNRC’s Message on International Day for Persons with Disabilities

The International Day for Persons with Disabilities reminds us of our commitment to remove the barriers faced by persons with disabilities around the world and here in Nepal as they navigate their everyday lives from physical infrastructure, geographical constraints, and systemic and policy-oriented challenges.   

We are at the midpoint of the 2030 Agenda. In Nepal, the recent analysis of SDG 4 shows regression compared to previous years, as one-third of the schools do not have access to adapted infrastructures and accessible materials for students with disabilities.

As highlighted by the Secretary-General, sustainable development for persons with disabilities requires a laser-like focus on their needs and rights — not only as beneficiaries, but as active contributors across social, economic, and political life.

This year’s national slogan seeks our commitment to achieve SDGs through ownership, leadership, and solidarity with persons with disabilities. Echoing the slogan, I reiterate the importance of engaging with persons with disabilities in line with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities for the achievement of the SDGs and to live up to the promises to leave no one behind.

We as the UN have adopted the Disability Inclusion Strategy, to bring about lasting and transformative change in the UN’s disability inclusion work and support member states to implement the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities through its programming in action and operation.

I call on everyone to work side-by-side with persons with disabilities to design and deliver solutions based on equal rights in every province and community.