|PIC1|Many of the 650 million people living with a disability today are routinely denied of their dignity and basic human rights – rights most of us take for granted such as health support, an education, mobility, access to clean water and sanitation.

They continue to face abuse, poverty and invariably live on the margins of society with no means to participate and thrive within the community.

Today is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which takes place annually on 3rd December. Its aim is to raise awareness and support of the rights, dignity and well-being of disabled people around the world.

Earlier this year the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities came into force. So it is applicable that the theme of today’s celebrations is 'Dignity and Justice for All’, drawing attention to the millions of disabled people whose rights are being violated.

World Vision UK and our partners are calling the UK government to ratify, without reservation, the Convention in all its entirety. In so doing they will not only be upholding the principles of the Convention but also that of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, now celebrating its 60th Anniversary.

The Convention is supposed to promote and protect the human rights of disabled people in all levels of society. With this in mind, it is crucial that the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities does not become just another meaningless international statute.