The World Blind Union on International Human Rights Day

The International Human Rights Day provides with an opportunity to celebrate the World Blind Union's successes and to raise awareness about the challenges still faced by many blind persons around the world in exercising their human rights.

While stereotypes and attitudes about the rights and abilities of blind and partially sighted persons have improved as society becomes more aware and open to persons from different backgrounds and with different abilities, blind persons in every part of the world still face significant and unnecessary barriers to their full participation in and enjoyment of life.

"When blind children are denied the opportunity to go to school; when 75 per cent of working age blind persons in all parts of the world are unemployed; when blind women and men are denied the opportunity to become parents; and when blind persons are removed from an aircraft because airline personnel do not believe that blind persons have the ability to travel independently.

Much more needs to be done to dispel myths and to ensure that blind persons enjoy the same rights and freedoms as do other citizens of the world," says William Rowland, President of the World Blind Union, the internationally recognised voice of blind and partially sighted persons worldwide.

Exactly one year ago, the United Nations approved the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, a landmark treaty which recognised the challenges faced by persons with disabilities and the measures necessary to overcome these challenges.

The World Blind Union was an active participant in the development of this new convention and strongly supports its ratification by all UN member States.

Through our member organisations in 177 countries, we remain committed and prepared to work with governments and all sectors of society to ensure that blind and partially sighted persons are able to live in full enjoyment of their human rights and take their rightful place as full and equal participants in society.