Karachi - 21st March 2013: To celebrate the value, acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome, UNESCO commemorated World Down Syndrome Day, for the first time in Karachi. The event gathered a | |
large number of stakeholders and activists for the rights of persons with disabilities and shared views and ideas for the inclusion of persons with Down syndrome in everyday life. The event was organized in collaboration with Pakistan Down Syndrome Association in Karachi. Dr. Kozue Kay Nagata, Director, UNESCO Islamabad in her message highlighted the importance of early intervention through Early Childhood Care and Education in the development of children with Down syndrome. Dr. Nagata's message underscored that persons with disabilities are usually seen as the objects of pity and misfortune and are often left helpless on their own or with their parents. However, referring to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, adopted by United Nations in 2006 and ratified by Pakistan in 2011, the message made the point that the Convention embodied a paradigm shift in which persons with disabilities would no longer be regarded as objects of charity and welfare, but as persons with equal rights and dignity who given the opportunity could make an enormous contribution to society. Other prominent guests speaking in the event were Mr. Ghulam Nabi Nizamani, Chairperson, CBR, Asia Pacific Region, Mr. Dilip Kumar from HANDS and Mr. Abid Lashari from Pakistan Down Syndrome Association. Several children with Down syndrome were also present in the seminar. Also present were parents of Down syndrome children who shared their experiences in raising their children, especially the challenges they faced in educating their children. Press Clipping Metro Karachi |