ARC Celebrates International Day of Persons With Disabilities With A Heart-Warming Event

Persons with disabilities refers to people who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments that, when combined with different psychological and environmental barriers, prevent them from fully and effectively participating in society on an equal footing with others.

The perception and reality of disability are also influenced by accessible technologies, aid, and services, as well as cultural factors. According to the World Health Organization, roughly 15% of the world's population is disabled. Several million people are reported to have been relocated, yet they are generally unnoticed in their new towns.

In order to celebrate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities in Maldives this year, Advocating the Rights of Children (ARC) held a special event at Hulhumale’ beach. The event was held in association with Futtaru Ufaa and Beach Club. The event was graced by the UN Resident Coordinate of Maldives, Catherine Haswell.

During the heart-warming event, beach and water activities such as banana boat rides, canoe rides, and stand-up paddle boarding were enjoyed by over 50 children from Beautiful Eyes Down Syndrome Association, Care Society, Maldives Autism Association (MAA), Maldives Association of Physical Disabled (MAPD) and children with hearing impairments.

UNICEF's Deputy Country Representative, Paulo Sassarao, also unveiled a child-friendly brochure of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) prepared by ARC in collaboration with UNICEF Maldives.

ARC's Executive Committee Member, Muruthala Moosa, spoke at the occasion and emphasized the necessity of working together to ensure that children with disabilities' abilities are not missed, their capacities are not overestimated, and their needs are not ignored.