Disability

There are more than one billion persons with disabilities worldwide, most of whom are of working age and live in developing countries. They are often excluded from mainstream society. Discrimination takes place in various forms, from the denial of educational opportunities to more subtle discrimination, such as segregation and isolation because of the imposition of physical and social barriers.  

Since its inception, the United Nations has sought to advance the status of persons with disabilities and improve their lives. Following three decades of advocacy for persons with disabilities, in 2006 the General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. It has been ratified by 186 countries, and some 75 per cent of State Parties have passed laws to guarantee the integration of students with disabilities in mainstream schools.  Nearly 80 per cent now prohibit discrimination in hiring against persons with disabilities, and over 90 per cent have adopted national disability laws.