UN Special Rapporteur on Disability

Message from the Special Rapporteur

Welcome.

It has taken a while to establish a website for the work the Office of the Special Rapporteur on
Disability. It has been a long process of technical snags and technological hurdles—and we
may still face more—but this the paradox of technology. I hope, however, the end result is a
website of useful information, valuable links and interesting news that will find an audience
worldwide.
In the past year, we have managed to gather a wealth of news and reports and we will try to
keep this website updated on a regular basis.
It was important to me as soon as I was appointed Special Rapporteur to set a vision for
myself that would guide, encourage and motivate me and those who will be working with me.
Looking for inspiration from the disability movement, I realized that the ultimate goal for all of
us concerned with rights and justice, whether disabled or non-disabled, is to create and live in
a world that accepts everyone, makes room for all, respects each person for his ability and
discriminates against none.
My other source of inspiration came from the mission of the Special Rapporteur; which is to
promote, facilitate and monitor the implementation of the Standard Rules for the Equalization
of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities. Those 22 Rules contained in this document,
which was adopted and ratified by all United Nations Member States, cover every aspect of
life—ensuring that no barriers or obstacles prevent persons with disabilities from having the
equal opportunity to participate fully and freely, to develop their fullest potentials, and to
contribute wholly to the development and prosperity of their world.
In fact, one of the great features of the Standard Rules, is that although they speak of persons
with disabilities, they are rules that if implemented by governments and societies, will ensure
equality for all—contributing to a world which is welcoming, accepting and inclusive of all on
the basis of their humanity.
Inspired by this, I drew up the Vision that has guided the work I have done since the
beginning of my mandate:

“A world free of all forms of discrimination, obstacles and barriers; a world which
enables its members to fully realize their potentials; and allows all to participate
equally in the enjoyment of its resources and to contribute to its advancement.”

I hope that by visiting this website and making use of the materials posted here, you will come
to realize how this Vision has been put into practice in every activity that has been
undertaken.
We would welcome your ideas, opinions and feedback on this website. We would also welcome
any contributions you would wish to make—articles, news, innovative ideas and experiences,
good practices….

You may contact us at:
info@srdisability.org
Please use the subject line: “Contributions to the website” so that we may direct your e-mail
to the persons concerned.

Thank you,
Hissa Al Thani
UN Special Rapporteur on Disability