ALL societies have people with disabilities. Since no one is perfect, no one should discriminate against others due to physical or mental disabilities. In fact, no one wishes to experience any form of disability. Therefore, everyone should offer a helping hand to those with disabilities.

Everyone should cultivate consideration and compassion toward people with disabilities. No one should underestimate them, as both ordinary individuals and people with disabilities have the wonderful capacity to demonstrate their intelligence and problem-solving abilities, even in difficult situations.

Under the guidance of religious teachings, most people in Myanmar do not discriminate against individuals with disa­bilities. They are often eager to offer assistance and contrib­ute to the communities of peo­ple with disabilities. Well-wish­ers donate both money and goods to schools for the deaf and blind. Additionally, the Ministry of Social Welfare and Resettlement oversees various schools for people with disabilities and supports or­ganizations dedicated to their welfare.

In this regard, it is es­sential to consider both local and global efforts to improve the lives of people with disa­bilities. Relevant authorities must provide both physical and mental support to indi­viduals with disabilities. The government should ensure livelihoods for these individ­uals and prioritize job crea­tion. In particular, graduates with disabilities should be employed in relevant sectors to help uplift their families and communities. Only when authorities and citizens demonstrate gen­uine goodwill, free from discrimination, will people with disabilities find the courage to build their lives with confidence.

Internationally, the United Nations Disability Inclusion Strategy was launched in June 2019. The Secretary-General emphasized that the United Nations should lead by example and enhance its standards and performance on disability inclusion across all pillars of work, from headquarters to the field.

The United Nations Disability Inclusion Strategy lays the foun­dation for sustainable and transformative progress on disability inclusion across all areas of the United Nations’ work. Through this Strategy, the United Nations system reaffirms that the full realization of the human rights of all persons with disabilities is an inalienable, integral, and indivisible part of all human rights and fundamental freedoms.

In line with the 2024 theme, “Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future,” it is essential for people in relevant countries to cultivate empathy and support for individuals with disabilities, empowering them to overcome life’s challenges and strengthen their resilience to be able to shape their peaceful families.