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The Rt Hon Sir Malcolm Bruce MPLiberal Democrat MP for Gordon |
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Bruce marks international disability day in Parliament
December 3, 2009 12:01 AM
Malcolm calls for greater recognition of the rights of people with disabilities
Gordon MP Malcolm Bruce has tabled a parliamentary motion in the House of Commons calling for greater recognition of the rights of people with disabilities.
Speaking on the UN's International day of People with Disabilities today (Thursday 3rd), Mr Bruce who chairs the parliamentary group on Deafness in Westminster said:
"It is estimated that about 10% of the world's population have some level of disability. Today is about promoting greater awareness of the difficulties these people can often face in trying to integrate fully with their peers on a political, social, economic and cultural level.
"I hope people will take the time to reflect on what more we can do as individuals and as a society to respect these rights.
"In the UK while we are fortunate enough to have the legislative framework which offers some degree of protection to those with disabilities, in other countries this is often not the case. This is why it is especially important that the international community uses the UN Millennium Development Goals to reflect the needs of disabled people."
ENDS
Note to editors:
Malcolm Bruce has tabled an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons on International Day of People with Disabilities 2009:
"That this House notes the 3rd December 2009 is International Day of People with Disabilities which aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and the rights of persons with disabilities; recognises the gains to be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of the political, social, economic and cultural life of their communities; welcomes this year's focus on the Millennium Development Goals which should reflect persons with disabilities; notes that around 10% of the world's population, or 650 million people, live with disabilities; and calls on the Government to do all it can to support persons with disabilities in this country and abroad."