Statement by President Mattarella on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Courtesy translation

The President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, released the following statement to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities:

 «Millions of persons with disabilities struggle every day to lead an independent life and teach us how to tackle difficulties with vital force and great dignity: they deserve our respect. Today we express the Republic’s appreciation to their extraordinary families, the volunteers, and the associations that struggle to assert their rights.

The United Nations established the International Day of Persons with Disabilities with the aim of promoting the rights and well-being of all those who coexist with some form of disability: a significant number of people that risks increasing with the ageing of the population.

Health, education, mobility, and work are rights that, for persons with disabilities, represent the fruit of lengthy battles paved with pain, humiliation, sense of injustice and helplessness, and acts of discrimination.

The inclusion of persons with disabilities is the testbench of the full enforcement of human rights. The important technological progress achieved helps to overcome the impediments that hinder the life of persons with disabilities and to facilitate their full participation. All progress made in the direction of overcoming barriers must be encouraged.

Persons with disabilities are a resource for the community and their participation in the life of society is precious. »