A/58/61 - E/2003/5
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Review and appraisal of the World Programme of Action concerning Disabled Persons*Report of the Secretary-General
The present report, submitted pursuant to General Assembly resolutions 56/115 of 19 December 2001 and 52/82 of 12 December 1997, presents the results of the fourth five-year review and appraisal of the World Programme of Action concerning Disabled Persons. The report has three objectives: (a) to report on progress in implementation of Assembly resolution 56/115, (b) to review and assess trends in policies and programmes from the disability perspective since the last review, which was considered by the Assembly at its fifty-second session, and (c) to submit recommendations for the further implementation of the goals of the World Programme of Action: full participation of persons with disabilities in social life and development, and equality. A basic conclusion of the review is the strong commitment of Governments to the equalization of opportunities and to the rights of persons with disabilities in the context of development. Differences in emphasis and approach are reported, but commitment is widespread. The advancement of persons with disabilities in a broad human rights framework will require fresh thinking and approaches based on "next" practices that contribute to purposeful action and concrete results in the equalization of opportunities. Recommendations are submitted on (a) policy options to promote the rights of persons with disabilities in the context of development, (b) substantive aspects of mainstream approaches to the equalization of opportunities and (c) improved coordination of activities of the United Nations system to promote the advancement of persons with disabilities in the context of development.
I. Introduction
II. Progress in implementation
A. Strategic framework
B. RecommendationsAnnex :