The United Nations has called for countries across the world to stop shunning people with autism because it is a “violation of human rights” and a “waste of human potential”.
Participants at the UN General Assembly special event on the occasion of World Autism Awareness Day
UN General Assembly President Mogens Lykketoft described autism as “part of the human experience that contributes to human diversity”.
Surge in world autism rates
Lykketoft, who is charged with heading up the 193-nation body, highlighted the surging number of people being diagnosed with autism around the world.
Currently, the average incidence of autism among individuals in Asia, Europe and North America has been estimated at between 1% and 2%. In the UK the estimated figure is more than one in 100 and in the US it is one in 68.
Right to have equal access
He said: “Today we also celebrate the unique talents of persons with autism,” before going on to highlight the need and right for people with autism to have equal access to education, employment, social, political and cultural experiences.
In September 2015, when it adopted its Sustainable Development Goals, the UN Assembly pledged its commitment to the ideal that no one would be “left behind”.
Strengthening that commitment, Lykketoft said: “Let’s make that a reality by building and providing an inclusive society and accessible communities where people with autism and other disabilities can thrive, enjoy equal opportunity and thus be empowered.”
UN General Assembly President Mogens Lykketoft: autism is “part of the human experience that contributes to human diversity”
‘Shunned in too many societies’
Ban Ki-moon, the UN Secretary-General, also marked World Autism Awareness Day. He said that autism is not well understood in many countries and that too many societies shun people with the condition.
Ban Ki-moon noted that 2016 marked the 10th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. He called on societies across the globe to invest more funds in enabling young people with autism to be part of their generation’s historic push for progress.
In a statement released on the day, the UN said it is “proud” to champion the autism awareness movement across the world. It said the rights, perspectives and wellbeing of people with autism, and all persons with disabilities, are integral to the commitment to leave no one behind.
The UN’s statement on World Autism Awareness Day builds on previous calls to improve the lives of children and adults with autism. Previously, Ban Ki-moon launched a ‘call to action’, calling for greater commitment from businesses to employ people with autism.
Published: 2 April 2016
