Bangkok--Nov 30--UNISBKK
Understanding and support for disability issues is top of the agenda of the UN International Day of Disabled Persons, 3 December 2004
The United Nations Economic
and Social Commission for the Asia Pacific Region will celebrate the day with speeches, an exhibition, a forum by members of the community and documentary screenings at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok, Thailand.
The theme of the day "Nothing about Us without Us: Ensuring Access to Information and Communication Technologies" is anchored in the principle of
participation by and for persons with disabilities.
The program will begin at 09:00 hours, 3 December with the delivery of Secretary-General Kofi Annan's message by Deputy Executive Secretary of
UNESCAP Ms Keiko Okaido followed by an exhibition, a panel discussion involving regional representatives, including Thailand's blind and deaf
communities, and the screening of four UN documentaries.
The Exhibition will represent members of the Thailand Association of Blind; Disabled People's International, Asia and Pacific; the National Association
of Deaf, Thailand; the SAORI Creative Centre; the International Labour
Organization (ILO) and UNESCAP.
UNESCAP's programme is incorporating goal six of the Biwako Millennium Framework (BMF) for Action for an Inclusive, Barrier-free and Rights-based Society for Persons with Disabilities in Asia and the Pacific, namely,
access to information and communications, including information,
communication and assistive technologies.
BMF is the regional policy guideline for the second Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons from 2003-2012.
The International Day of Disabled Persons was proclaimed in 1992 and, since then, has been observed annually worldwide on 3 December to promote an
understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.
Note to Editor: You or your representatives are cordially invited to attend the celebration of International Day of Disabled Persons on Friday,
3 December at 09:00 hrs at the UN Conference Centre, Rajadamnern Nok Ave,
Bangkok.
For further information please contact:
Aiko Akiyama, Project Expert on Disability
Tel: +(66-2) 288-2315; [email protected]
Penelope Lake, UN Information Services Bangkok
Tel: +(66-2) 288-1869; [email protected] End.