Rehabilitation International issues landmark declaration on rights of disabled in Beijing

Rehabilitation International published the Beijing Declaration at its centennial celebration on Sunday, which was also China's 33rd national day of assisting disabled persons.

Under the declaration, the organization requests authorities and the world at large to promote humanitarianism and improve legislation to eliminate discrimination against and protect the rights of disabled people.

Disabled people, especially those who are poor or with severe conditions should have social security and welfare, and should not be prevented from living a life with dignity, the declaration said.

The document calls for governments and society to promote the employment of people with disabilities by offering them skills training and encouraging employers to hire them, especially women.

Rehabilitation services, education and barrier-free environment construction are also needed for disabled people's development, according to the declaration.

The declaration also calls for the United Nations to establish a world disabled people's organization to enhance the protection of disabled people's rights.

Disability inclusion is an indispensable part of human development and rights, the declaration asserted, urging the world to deepen cooperation and enhance financial and technological support to disability inclusion programs in developing countries and regions.

It also called for the creation of a friendly environment for disabled people to take fairer and more active engagement in social and economic development.