Mogadishu – Marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), the United Nations today commended the Federal Government of Somalia and organisations of persons with disabilities for their progress on promoting the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities.  

“We congratulate the Federal Government, through the National Disability Agency (NDA), for the completion of Somalia’s first nationwide disability survey – this is an important step forward in highlighting the challenges faced by persons with disabilities,” said the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Somalia, Catriona Laing.

“Civil society groups working on disability issues are also playing a significant role in raising awareness, and they should be recognised for this,” Ms. Laing added.

While noting these achievements, the United Nations in Somalia notes that challenges persist, and it is imperative that all these be collectively addressed and that all barriers that hinder full societal participation be removed.

The United Nations has collaborated closely with the NDA and civil society groups across Somalia to advocate for disability rights and inclusion.  

The theme of this year’s observance is ‘United in action to rescue and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals for, with and by persons with disabilities.’

Observed annually on 3 December, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities was established in 1992 by the UN General Assembly. The Day aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.