Justice
December 3, 2013

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

Human Rights Commission Recognizes and Celebrates International Day of Persons with Disabilities

The Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission joins with others in Newfoundland and Labrador in recognizing and celebrating the International Day of Persons with Disabilities today. This year marks the 32nd 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, or approximately 15 per cent of the world’s population, who live with some form of disability. The theme of this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities is Break barriers, open doors: for an inclusive society for all.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Act, 2010 protects individuals from discrimination and harassment on the basis of disability. 63 per cent of the commission’s current active complaints relate to disability or perceived disability. The Human Rights Commission continues in its efforts to investigate all complaints and strives towards equality and equity 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, the Provincial Advisory Council for the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities and other community organizations and joins with them in celebrating International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The commission especially takes note of Access. Inclusion. Equality: Provincial Strategy for the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Newfoundland and Labrador, an important achievement for the cultural, social and economic integration of persons with disabilities in this province.

The commission encourages individuals, employers, organizations and our communities to reflect on the importance of fostering an inclusive, respectful, and just society, where residents of all abilities are supported.

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

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

2013 12 03                                        10:15 a.m.