April 20 – The NHRCK welcomed Korea’s 29th Disabled Person’s Day on April 20, pledging further efforts to protect and promote the human rights of persons with disabilities.
Discrimination against persons with disabilities in Korean society still remains a serious problem, and there have not been enough facilities or recognition which meets the expectations of persons with disabilities. These problems should be rectified through consistent efforts, changes in social understanding, and attention and support for the persons with disabilities.
The Disability Discrimination Act entered into force on April 11, 2008, paving the way for the persons with disabilities, themselves to be the subject of their rights, and to improve social recognition of the said issue. This year is the first time that reasonable accommodation for the persons with disabilities has been mandated for public and business facilities, brining expectations of significant improvement in realizing the right to equality.
The Disabled Person’s Day was proclaimed in 1981, organized by the Ministry for Heath, Welfare and Family Affairs, and sponsored by Korean Disabled People's Development Institute and others. Athletic meeting and commemorative ceremony are held in a number of cities in Korea, to promote the harmony and friendship among the persons with disabilities.
