Promoting rights of the disabled enables inclusion: Russian FM

GENEVA, Feb. 28 (Xinhua) -- Promoting the rights of people with disabilities helps them achieve their goals and enables their inclusion in society, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said here Wednesday in an address to the UN Human Rights Council and the Council on Disarmament.

Lavrov was speaking at the opening of a photography exhibition at the UN Geneva office called "Only Wings Matter -- Breaking Stereotypes" sponsored by the Russian Mission and NGOs from the country.

"It is obvious that sport is important for people with disabilities not only for them to keep fit but also for them to illustrate their achievements," said Lavrov, more than one week before the opening of the Paralympic Winter Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea on March 9.

Michael Moller, Director-General of the United Nations Office in Geneva, said the Paralympic Games "challenge the stereotypes" and that disabled people taking part in sports "grow wings" showing their strength and capabilities.

The UN official said the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is one of "most ratified international human rights instruments".

Moller said disability was increasingly being incorporated into the human rights and development agenda.

Removing barriers and promoting inclusion overcomes stereotypes, but this is a "collective challenge for society," he said.

The photo exhibition aims to help people with disabilities believe in themselves and get involved in all aspects of life. Enditem