International Day of Disabled Persons 3 December 2007

The annual observance of the International Day of Disabled Persons, 3 December, aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. It also seeks to increase awareness of gains to be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life. The theme of the Day is based on the goal of full and equal enjoyment of human rights and participation in society by persons with disabilities, established by the World Program of Action concerning Disabled Persons, adopted by the General Assembly in 1982.
The World Health Organization estimates that around 10 percent of the world’s population, or 650 million people live with a disability and 80 percent live in developing countries. Disability and the concerns of Persons with Disabilities should get all the attention and support it deserves by all government and its institutions, civil societies, religious institutions and the general public. 
All should act upon and coordinate their efforts if conditions and life for people with disability is to improve. They range from raising awareness, medical and rehabilitative care, accessibility to physical environment and information, education and skill training, employment, enabling policies and laws, self-representation, nurturing associations for the disabled, income generating opportunities and social security, to mention but a few.
The Eritrean National War Disabled Veteran Association (ENWDVA), as its name implies focuses to war disabled and its aim is to guarantee the rights of the war-disabled fighters, provide medical care, skill training, social and psychological rehabilitation, provide social security to severely disabled ex-fighters, develop positive thinking among the general public that disabled people as productive citizens contributing for nation building, create conducive environment for collaboration with international, public and private organizations and support the war disabled in income generating activities.
In commemoration for the international day for disabled people, the association in collaboration with the Ministry of Labor and Human Welfare are planning to carry out sport activities by the disabled war veterans, carry out a series of seminars on awareness about disability, right and economic justice in all regional offices, post banners in main streets of the capital and major towns, press conference for public awareness, disseminate information about importance of International Day of People with Disabilities through electronic media.
Self employment scheme through the provision of credit and training is one of the main strategies adopted by the association. Through the support of the association, various small business entities have been established that are fully owned and managed by the disabled veterans. The aim is to encourage and assist them to break away from a situation of psychological, physical and economic dependency on others, and achieve self reliance. 
As we are planning to mark the International Day for People with Disabilities, it is time to renew our pledge as an association to address the right and dignity of people with disability. Let us empower ourselves with knowledge about disability, as it will enable us to change our mindsets and remove stereotypes and prejudices. Together, we can make a difference.
Victory to the masses!
The Eritrean National war-Disabled veterans Association