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UN chief calls for stronger support for people with Down syndrome

Xinhua, March 22, 2016 Adjust font size:

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Monday called for stronger support to the people with Down syndrome in order to enable them to contribute to common future of the human being.

People with Down syndrome and other disabilities should be supported of the autonomy and independence, so that "they can be empowered to contribute to our common future," the secretary-general said in his message to mark World Down Syndrome Day, which is observed annually on March 21.

This year's theme of the Day is "My Friends, My Community" -- the benefits of inclusive environments for today's children and tomorrow's adults.

"Persons with disabilities, including those with Down syndrome, are more than persons in need of assistance; they are agents of change who can drive progress across society," Ban said.

While recalling the words of Pablo Pineda, a Spanish actor and writer who has Down syndrome, the secretary-general called on others with Down syndrome to get inspired by his example and work to achieve their goals.

Ban also urged others in the society to appreciate "the potential and power of the members of our human family with Down syndrome." He called for this affirmation to be backed by concrete steps to respect, protect and promote the rights of all persons with disabilities.

"I especially call for priority actions to improve opportunities for girls and women with disabilities who often face greater exclusion than boys and men," he said.

He underscored that the voice of children and adults with Down syndrome is particularly vital as the international community works towards achieving the new anti-poverty Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which aim to leave no one behind.

On Dec. 19, 2011, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution to declare March 21 as World Down Syndrome Day.

In the resolution, the General Assembly decided, with effect from 2012, to observe World Down Syndrome Day on March 21 each year, and invited all member states, relevant organizations of the United Nations system and other international organizations, as well as non-governmental organizations and the private sector, to observe World Down Syndrome Day in an appropriate manner, in order to raise public awareness of Down syndrome.

Down syndrome is a naturally occurring chromosomal arrangement that has always been a part of the human condition, being universally present across racial, gender or socio-economic lines, and affecting approximately one in 800 live births, although there is considerable variation worldwide. It usually causes varying degrees of intellectual and physical disability and associated medical issues. Endit