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How can you promote the rights of people with Down syndrome on the 21 March?
World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD), 21 March, is a global awareness day that the United Nations has officially observed since 2012. The date for WDSD, being the 21st day of the third month, was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome, which causes Down syndrome.
Down syndrome (or Trisomy 21) is a naturally occurring chromosomal arrangement that has always been a part of the human condition, being universally present across racial, gender or socioeconomic lines in approximately 1 in 800 live births, although there is considerable variation worldwide. Down syndrome usually causes varying degrees of intellectual and physical disability and associated medical issues.
WDSD was first observed in 2006 and officially adopted by the UN General Assembly in December 2011, following a campaign by Down syndrome groups and organizations worldwide. The resolution to designate 21 March as WDSD was co-sponsored by 78 UN member states, with leadership from Brazil and Poland.
The resolution calls on all member states, relevant organizations of the United Nations system and other international organizations, and civil society, including non-governmental organizations and the private sector, to observe World Down Syndrome Day appropriately to raise public awareness of Down syndrome.
People with Down syndrome worldwide face widespread discrimination and exclusion from society, including access to basic services such as education and healthcare. In many countries, misconceptions and stigma surrounding the condition can lead to maltreatment and, in some cases, even death.
While many people worldwide are working to change this, there is a long way to go to ensure that the rights of persons with Down syndrome are respected, protected and fulfilled, in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
Each year on 21 March, people worldwide come together to celebrate the day, raise awareness about Down syndrome and take action for the rights of persons with Down syndrome to be respected.
WDSD is a unique opportunity for the global Down syndrome community to connect every year, to share ideas, experiences and knowledge, empower each other to advocate for equal rights for people with Down syndrome and reach out to key stakeholders to bring about positive change.
A key component to these celebrations is an annual side event to the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities at UN Geneva and an annual conference at UN New York. These events are organized by Down Syndrome International with self-advocates with Down syndrome, and provide a platform for the Down syndrome community to engage with the UN system.
Each year, a different theme for WDSD highlights essential issues and critical areas for systemic change. WDSD themes in previous years have included ‘We Decide’, ‘Leave No One Behind’ and ‘Connect’.
This year’s theme is ‘Inclusion Means’ and reflects the general principles of the CRPD, which calls for “Full and effective participation and inclusion in society.” This theme will allow people with Down syndrome, families, advocates, professionals, organizations, and indeed anyone around the world to say what needs to happen now to make the world more inclusive. Self-advocates can speak about the key issues impacting their ability to be included and what changes they would like to see.
This theme is especially relevant as the UN system works to implement the UN Disability Inclusion Strategy, launched in 2019. People with Down syndrome know best how they can be included effectively and this year’s WDSD campaign provides an excellent opportunity to learn from them directly.
WDSD is a day for everyone to celebrate and advocate for the rights of people with Down syndrome. All support for the WDSD and its positive message of inclusion make a difference, no matter how small.
Some ideas for how to take part include:
Each year WDSD gets bigger as more people join the conversation, sending a powerful message that the world is becoming more inclusive of people with Down syndrome. If you would like to get involved, you can find out more information on the official WDSD website.
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* Nathan Rowe is Programme Manager at Down Syndrome International.
