Justice
December 3, 2012

The following is being distributed at the request of the Human Rights Commission:

International Day of Persons with Disabilities

The Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission joins with others in Newfoundland and Labrador in recognizing and celebrating International Day of Persons with Disabilities today (Monday, December 3). This year marks the 31st anniversary of the day in which the United Nations called for a plan of action for full participation and equality of persons with disabilities in society.

There are an estimated one billion people worldwide who live with one or more physical, sensory, intellectual, or mental health impairments. The theme of this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities is Keeping the promise: Mainstreaming disability in the Millennium Development Goals towards 2015 and beyond. The Millennium Development Goals are a set of objectives for the global community designed to address the needs of poor and marginalized populations. The theme of this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities encourages the inclusion and consideration of the challenges faced by disabled persons in worldwide policy development procedures.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Act, 2010 protects individuals from discrimination and harassment on the basis of disability. Sixty-two per cent of the commission’s active complaints during 2012 related to disability or perceived disability. The Human Rights Commission continues in its efforts to investigate all complaints and strive towards equality, understanding, and mutual respect for individuals with disabilities in this province.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission commends the work of the Newfoundland and Labrador Disability Policy Office and the Provincial Advisory Council for the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities and joins with them and others who are celebrating International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The commission encourages individuals and organizations to reflect on the importance of fostering an inclusive, respectful, and just society in the province.

For more information on the Human Rights Commission, please visit www.thinkhumanrights.ca

- 30 -

Media contact:
Carey Majid
Executive Director
Human Rights Commission
709-729-2709
1-800-563-5808
CareyMajid@gov.nl.ca

2012 12 03                       11:40 a.m.