Empowering persons with disabilities worldwide

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities is being observed on December the 3rd. The objective is to include disabled people in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.

The theme for 2009 is "Realigning the millennium development goals for all: empowerment of persons with disabilities and their communities around the world. "

Around the world, almost one in every 10 persons lives with a disability. The world health Organization estimates there are at least 650 million people with disabilities worldwide -- about 10 percent of the global population.

It is also estimated that 80 percent of all disabled people worldwide live in developing countries.

Many people with disabilities face barriers to their participation in their communities and are often forced to live on the margins of society.

The United Nations is working to ensure their full and effective participation in all aspects of society.