KATHMANDU: President Ram Chandra Paudel has emphasized the need for the effective implementation of constitutional and legal provisions concerning persons with disabilities.
Extending his wishes of peace, prosperity, and good health to Nepalis at home and abroad on the occasion of the 34th International Day of Persons with Disabilities, he underscored the importance of identifying individuals who are deprived of education, health, and employment opportunities, and ensuring their equal access to all state-provided facilities and opportunities.
He stated, “The Constitution of Nepal has ensured the right of citizens with disabilities to live with dignity and self-respect, recognizing their diversity, and guaranteeing equal access to public services and facilities.”
He added, “It envisions building an equal, prosperous, and just society based on proportional, inclusive, and participatory principles. The Constitution aims to prohibit all forms of discrimination on the basis of disability and ensure equal and meaningful human participation.”
President Paudel added that it is essential to create disability-friendly physical infrastructures and environments in offices, schools, public transportation, roads, parks, monasteries, and government, public, and private structures so that persons with disabilities receive the facilities they need.
He said, “I am confident that this day will further strengthen the individual and collective efforts of the government, families, society, and organizations in ensuring the fair participation of persons with disabilities by changing negative societal attitudes, and by creating an inclusive, equitable, human-rights–friendly, and discrimination-free environment.”
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities has been observed annually on December 3 since 1992 at the initiative of the United Nations to promote the rights of persons with disabilities.
In Nepal, this year’s observance is being marked with the national slogan ‘Promoting a Disability-Inclusive Society: Enhancing Social Progress’ through various programs and activities.
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