Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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December 3, 2025 Human rights
Today, 1.3 billion people, or one in six people on Earth, face significant health-related limitations. People with disabilities face twice the risk of developing chronic diseases, from diabetes to depression. And the gap in life expectancy compared to people without disabilities can be as high as 20 years.
These figures reflect not only health conditions, but also the consequences of systemic exclusion, discrimination and limited access to services.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in his message on the occasion International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which is celebrated on December 3, emphasized that without real inclusion it is impossible to talk about genuine social progress or sustainable development.
Full participation
The Secretary-General recalled that many people with disabilities make contributions that benefit society as a whole. Thanks to their efforts, the world gains innovations that then become part of everyday life. This is how voice control technologies, text messaging, and many other solutions emerged.
Yet, despite this, people with disabilities are too often denied the right to participate in decision-making.
Systemic barriers
“Doha Political Declaration“The Declaration adopted last month at the World Summit for Social Development reaffirms a fundamental truth: sustainable development is impossible without the participation of people with disabilities,” the UN chief noted.
However, around the world, people with disabilities and their families face significant barriers, including discrimination in the labour market, limited access to information, technology and infrastructure, and inadequate education and social protection systems.
Without removing these barriers, social development will remain incomplete.
On December 3, a discussion will be held at UN Headquarters on how to build truly inclusive societies in line with the Doha Declaration. Representatives from governments, civil society, and the UN will discuss practical tools, solutions, and factors necessary for advancing social development.
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