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3 December was International Day of Disabled Persons and the International Labor Organization (ILO) released a report, “The right to decent work of persons with disabilities”, detailing how new efforts are needed to break down the barriers that prevent millions of people with disabilities from working and contributing to the economic growth of their societies.
The ILO estimates that some 650 million people – or one out of every 10 people in the world – has a disability, and that of these, approximately 470 million are of working age. While many are successfully employed and fully integrated into society, people with disabilities as a group often face disproportionate levels of poverty and unemployment.
The ILO Cites World Bank studies* estimating that social exclusion from the workplace costs the global economy between US$ 1.37 to US$ 1.94 trillion in estimated annual loss in GDP.
The ILO said the new UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities adopted in December of last year will reinforce national and international efforts and provide a renewed impetus in eliminating discrimination on the basis of disability and in positively promoting inclusion. The principles of the new UN Convention are in line with relevant ILO standards, including Convention No. 159 on Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Disabled Persons).
Convention No. 159 has been ratified by 80 countries. It requires that representative organizations of employers and workers, as well as those of disabled persons, be consulted on the implementation of national policy on vocational rehabilitation and employment for disabled people. This theme of consultation with key stakeholders is also emphasized in the new Convention.
The ILO site includes video links and a PDF detailing “Facts on Disability in the World of Work”.
Click here to visit the ILO site to view these resources and read “The right to decent work of persons with disabilities”, in full.
*Robert L. Metts (2000) Disability Issues, Trends and Recommendations for the World Bank, World Bank Washington.
MSIF’s goal is to achieve universal ratification of the UN Convention. If implemented, this Convention will make a substantial difference to the quality of life of people affected by MS. Many of MSIF’s member organisations as well as the EMSP are working to achieve this objective.
Click here to sign MSIF's petition for the Ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
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