On December 3rd 1981 the annual International Day for Disabled Persons was established and then adopted in1982 by the United Nations General Assembly.
The Day aims to promote a better understanding of disability issues with a focus on the rights of persons with disabilities, whereby these persons can be integrated in every aspect of the political, social, economic and cultural life of their communities. The goal of full and effective participation of persons with disabilities in society and development was established by the World Program of Action concerning Disabled Persons.
Although many commitments have been made by the international development community to include persons with disability in all aspects of development, the gap between policy and practice continues. It has been underscored that the Millennium Development Goals cannot be fully achieved without the inclusion of persons with disabilities, as these persons represent key target groups in all the MDGs and should also be included in MDG processes and mechanisms. It is important to note that their lack of representation could negatively impact on progress in the achievement of the MDGs.
Government has undertaken action to highlight progress and obstacles in implementing disability-sensitive policies, as well as promote public awareness of sensitizing the public at large, of the contributions that can be made towards persons with disabilities.
Here in St. Maarten, the various stakeholders, civil society and organizations can come together and also focus on issues such as how to mainstream disability in all aspects of development, as well as to further the participation of persons with a disability in social life and development on the basis of equality.
Let us as a country use this day, December 3rd 2010, as an opportunity to be committed to persons with a disability and include them in the full participation within our society, so that they can rightfully also benefit from progress made in achieving the MDGs and all other goals set for the various members within our society.