The Secretary-General of the United Nations has issued a message on the occasion of World Autism Awareness Day, calling for advancing the rights of individuals with autism and ensuring their full participation and inclusion as valued members of our diverse human family who can contribute to a future of dignity and opportunity for all. The theme of the 2016 observance is, "Autism and the 2030 Agenda: Inclusion and Neurodiversity." “Autism and other forms of disability are part of the human experience that contributes to human diversity,” UN chief Ban ki-Moon noted in his message, saying “mainstreaming disability requires an integral approach in the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of policies and programmes in all political, economic and societal spheres, so that inequality is not perpetuated.” In this regard he said “the equal participation and active involvement of persons with autism will be essential for achieving the inclusive societies envisioned by the Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs. Ban lamented that in many countries, and too many societies shun people with autism, saying this is “a violation of human rights and a waste of human potential.” “The rights, perspectives and well-being of people with autism, and all persons with disabilities, are integral to the 2030 Agenda and its commitment to leave no-one behind,” he added. (Source: UN)
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UN chief's message for World Autism Awareness Day
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