The UN observed the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD)on Thursday, calling for greater protection of their human rights.

The IDPD was initially proclaimed by UN General Assembly resolution 47/3. The observance of IDPD “aims to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society and developments.”

The UN said that “disability inclusion” is an “essential condition to upholding human rights, sustainable development, and peace and security.” Additionally, the UN said that disability inclusion is “central to the … 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.”

According to the UN, the COVID-19 pandemic has “deepen[ed] pre-existing inequalities.” The international organization noted that the approximately one billion people worldwide with disabilities are “among the hardest hit in [the COVID-19] crisis in terms of fatalities.” The UN stated that the pandemic has “expos[ed] the extent of exclusion and [has highlighted] that work on disability inclusion is imperative.” Furthermore, the UN noted that even prior to the pandemic, “persons with disabilities [were] less likely to access health care, education, employment and to participate in the community.”

For these reasons, the UN emphasized that “an integrated approach is required to ensure that persons with disabilities are not left behind.” The UN acknowledged that an inclusive response and recovery to COVID-19 will “better [serve] everyone, more fully suppressing the virus, as well as building back better.”

The UN launched its own Disability Inclusion Strategy in June 2019. In recognition of the UN’s commitment to disability inclusion, the Secretary-General submitted the “first comprehensive report” in October of “steps taken by the United Nations system to mainstream disability inclusion and implement the Strategy since its launch.”