International Day of Disabled Persons: 3 December 2005

3 December is the International Day of Disabled Persons. This year's theme is "Rights of Persons with Disabilities: Action in Development" . The theme aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of the more than 600 million people living with disabilities. It also seeks to increase awareness of the gains to be derived from the integration of people with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.

WHO staff are invited to participate in events marking the day. The activities aim to raise awareness among staff about disability and promote the inclusion of a disability perspective in all areas of WHO's work. The highlight of the celebrations will be a lunch time seminar, chaired by the Director General and featuring two representatives of the disability movement. Discussions will focus on the reality of living with a disability and how WHO staff and programmes can contribute to improving national programmes.

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