15% of the world’s population lives with some kind of disability and often face various obstacles that prevent them from participating in society. In some countries, more than 50% of people living with disabilities experience discrimination. There are 240 million children with disabilities in the world and 90% of children with disabilities in developing countries have no access to education. In several countries, 80% of people with disabilities are unemployed, mainly due to the widespread impact of stigma and discrimination. Women with disabilities are twice as likely to experience physical violence as adults (58%-75%) than the average female population (35%).
UNESCO is committed to promoting the rights of persons with disabilities through a multifaceted approach across its disciplines of education, science, culture and communication. To contribute to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and the United Nations Disability Inclusion Strategy (UNDIS) aimed at achieving transformative progress in disability inclusion, UNESCO has led multilateral efforts, notably through the United Nations Partnership for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNPRPD). Activities have been implemented to promote the rights of women and girls with disabilities, inclusive education, combating stigma and discrimination, inclusive cities and data management, access to information and supportive ICTs, effective participation of persons with disabilities, and disability governance and accountability.