Geneva, 3 April 2023 (TDI): The Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), António Guterres has called for a renewed commitment to celebrating the contributions of persons with autism & advancing their inherent rights on the occasion of World Autism Awareness Day.
Autism is proof that love does not need words.
🌈 Early diagnosis
🌈 Early interventions
🌈 Inclusion in the education system
All this can greatly contribute to children with autistic disorders. Let’s Stand Up for Autism!#WorldAutismDay pic.twitter.com/cf2YV9cJcv
— UN Geneva (@UNGeneva) April 2, 2023
In a statement released, Guterres emphasized the importance of recognizing the active and diverse contributions of persons with autism to our societies and working together to build an inclusive and accessible world for all.
Despite important progress, persons with autism continue to face social and environmental barriers to the full exercise of their rights & fundamental freedoms, in line with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Guterres stressed the need to promote inclusive education, equal employment opportunities, self-determination, and an environment where every person is respected.
He also recognized the important role of families, caregivers, and support networks in the lives of persons with autism.
To further the transformation in the narrative around neurodiversity, the UN will host a global virtual event titled “Transformation: Toward a Neuro-Inclusive World for All”.
The event will feature autistic people from around the world discussing how to overcome barriers and improve the lives of autistic people.
The contributions that autistic people make – and can make – to society, and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals will also be addressed.
He urged all to come together to celebrate the diverse contributions of persons with autism and promote a world that is truly inclusive and accessible for all.
This initiative aligns with the UN’s efforts to promote the rights and fundamental freedoms of persons with disabilities, per the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
By recognizing the valuable contributions of individuals with autism and promoting inclusive education and equal employment opportunities, the UN aims to break down social and environmental barriers that prevent the full exercise of their rights.
