Inclusion matters: access and empowerment for people of all abilities
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) has been commemorated since 1992 to promote awareness and mobilize support for critical issues relating to the inclusion of persons with disabilities in society and development. This day works to promote action to raise awareness about disability issues and draw attention to the benefits of an inclusive and accessible society for all.
The estimated one billion people living with disabilities worldwide face many barriers to inclusion in many key aspects of society. As a result, people with disabilities do not enjoy access to society on an equal basis with others, which includes areas of transportation, employment, and education as well as social and political participation. The right to participate in public life is essential to create stable democracies, active citizenship and reduce inequalities in society.
Persons with disabilities must be able to fulfil their role in society and participate on an equal basis with others. It is important to focus on the ability and not on the disability of an individual. Often, the societal image of persons with disabilities is impacted by attitudes based on stigma and discrimination, as well as archaic ideas about disability and persons with disabilities that are often the greatest barrier to their full and equal participation in society and development on an equal basis with others. It is important to note that disability is part of the human condition, and that all of us either are or will become disabled to one degree or another during the course of our lives.
By promoting empowerment, real opportunities for people are created. This enhances their own capacities and supports them in setting their own priorities. Empowerment involves investing in people – in jobs, health, nutrition, education, and social protection. When people are empowered they are better prepared to take advantage of opportunities, they become agents of change and can more readily embrace their civic responsibilities.
West Virginia Camapign to Ban Landmines and Cluster Bombs encourages all to be involved in making sure People With Disabilities enjoy access to society on an equal basis with others.
More information on the major efforts still needed to fulfill the needs and uphold the rights of survivors is available through the Landmine and Cluster Munition Monitor
The Impact of Mines/ERW on Children
Children are extremely vulnerable to the harm caused by antipersonnel landmines and improvised mines, as well as by explosive remnants of war (ERW). Children have made up over 40% of all civilian casualties recorded by the Monitor since 1999, where the status was known. Children continued to be disproportionately affected by landmines and ERW
in 2024.
Victim assistance and children
Child survivors have specific and additional needs in all aspects of assistance. For example, children whose injuries
result in amputated limbs require more complicated rehabilitative assistance. New prostheses are required as they
grow, and corrective surgery may be necessary due to the changing shape of a residual limb (stump).