What is disability?

Nearly one billion people or 15 percent of the world’s population experience some form of disability during their lifetime. The Convention on Rights of Persons With Disabilities (CRPD), adopted in December 2006 and ratified by 182 countries out of 193 Member States, has made disability increasingly understood as a human rights and development issue. The CRPD recognizes the full enjoyment of all human rights by persons with disabilities, including the right to equal participation in society and the right to live a life with dignity. CRPD states that persons with disabilities “include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others. Despite all the progress made, prejudice and systemic discrimination against persons with disabilities (PWDs) continues, and they often face extreme violation of their rights. Social and gender norms, misconceptions and negative attitudes around disability are some of the leading causes of marginalization of PWDs. UNFPA Disability Inclusion Strategy, 2022-25. 

People with disabilities have the same rights as any other person, including sexual and reproductive rights.