Disability advocate lobbies UN

United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon speaks at  the Celebration of the 10th Anniversary of the Adoption of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, held by the Chinese government in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, July 7, 2016. [Photo/Provided to China Daily]

China's top representative for people with disabilities has proposed to the United Nation's chief to build a world organization for disability.

Zhang Haidi, chairwoman of the China Disabled Persons' Federation, made the proposition to the visiting Ban Ki-Moon during a public speech at the Celebration of the 10th Anniversary of the Adoption of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, held by the Chinese government in the Great Hall of the People on Thursday afternoon.

Speaking from her wheelchair on stage, Zhang said to Ban that there should be a "World Disability Organization" for all people with disabilities, so that they may get the chance to enjoy an "equal, harmonious and happy" life.

Ban applauded and shook Zhang's hands when she moved down from the stage with the help of her colleague.

Ban appraised China for its positive contribution to putting the UN Convention into practice by lifting a huge number of people with disabilities out of poverty and creating a more tolerant society for them.

Wang Yong, state councilor and director of the State Council's working committee for persons with disabilities, cited instructions from China's top leaders on how to better help people with disabilities.

President Xi Jinping was quoted as saying that the people with disabilities are a group facing special difficulties, and they need extra care and attention. Premier Li Keqiang was quoted as saying that more concrete, specific and humanitarian measures should be taken to help people with disabilities.

Official statistics suggest that there are at least 85 million people with disabilities. Wang said during the 12th five-year plan, 5.88 million people with disabilities in villages had been lifted out of poverty, more than 10 million enjoyed basic living allowances, more than 4.3 million were employed in towns and 16 million working in villages.

Wang added that the human rights of people with disabilities are protected by China's constitution and more than 70 laws.

Contact writer on chenmengwei@chinadaily.com.cn