The International Day of Persons with Disabilities, marked every year on December 3 (UNGA Res 47/3), is an opportunity to celebrate diversity, advocate for inclusive policies and promote change.
Prejudice, misconception and negative stereotypes regarding persons with disabilities are the source of discriminatory practices and limitation of access in the society. Sport, however, is a powerful tool to deconstruct these prejudices and to demonstrate that persons with disabilities can – and have the right to – equally be included in society. Certainly, adjustments are needed – both on infrastructures and in the minds – and the Paralympic Games can surely be an inspiring example of this.
As recognized in Human Rights Council “Sport and Olympic Ideal” resolutions, sport is “a universal language that contributes to educating people on the values of respect, diversity, tolerance and fairness and as a means to combat all forms of discrimination and promote social inclusion for all.” It is also an extraordinary tool to educating the youths, empowering women, and initiating change to reach the Sustainable Development Goals.
Moreover, the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities highlighted in its General Comment No. 2 on “Accessibility” that the CRPD “requires States parties to identify and eliminate obstacles and barriers to accessibility to […] other indoor and outdoor facilities”. Furthermore, it explained “Everyone has the right to […] take part in sports”, and highlighted how State can implement the Convention’s requirements in order to enable persons with disabilities to participate on an equal basis with others in sporting activities. This idea was reinforced in other General Comments referring to the rights of women and girls with disabilities, as well as on living independently and being included in the community.
Based on this background, the panel discussion organized on the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities aims at raising awareness on the barriers faced by persons with disabilities on a daily basis, and learn about the educational power of sport to remove those barriers and design an environment inclusive of persons with disabilities.