03 December 2013, 09:00
Address of the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine
on the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Dear friends!
On the third of December Ukraine jointly with the whole international community celebrates the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. It reminds us that persons with disabilities are next to us. They require special attention and we should help them feel themselves full citizens.
It is a great honor for me to address each disabled with open heart and warm words. Lots of hardships have fallen to your lot. Each of you has in fact, not in word made sure that great courage is needed in order to simply live. However, by overcoming difficulties and showing exceptional moral courage you found strength not only to stand out but to preserve a steadfast faith in tomorrow.
It is well-known that attitude to you, dear disabled, is an index of civilisionality of any society. That is why one of the most important directions of Ukrainian social policy should be daily activity on eliminating barriers on the way to your self-realization, spiritual and cultural growth, guaranteed access to qualitative education, introduction of European standards and integration into a modern globalized world.
In view of this, I hope that events dedicated to the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, involving leaders of central and local state authorities, bodies of local self-government, and numerous activists of NGOs of the disabled from all regions of Ukraine will help further resolve your daily problems on the principles of humanism and justice.
I sincerely wish you optimism, happiness, long life, family comfort, attention of your near ones, protection and confidence in yourself!
Volodymyr RYBAK