Meeting locals ahead of International Day of Persons with Disabilities

The Quang Tri Association of Persons with Disabilities, Victims of Agent Orange, Sponsorship for Persons with Disabilities, and Protection of Children’s Rights, in collaboration with the Research Center for Inclusion (RCI), held a meeting to commemorate International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3, 2024, with the theme "Enhancing the Leadership Role of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future."

The meeting was attended by 60 persons with disabilities and association officials from the project areas in Dong Ha City, Gio Linh District, and Hai Lang District.

Part of the meeting. Photo: Tu Linh

Thai Vinh Lieu, Chairman of the Quang Tri Association of Persons with Disabilities, Victims of Agent Orange, Sponsorship for Persons with Disabilities, and Protection of Children’s Rights, said since 1992, the United Nations officially designated December 3 as International Day of Persons with Disabilities to promote understanding of disability issues worldwide.

One of activities at the meeting. Photo: Tu Linh

As of December 2023, Quang Tri Province has over 31,000 persons with disabilities, including war invalids, wounded soldiers, and victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin. Among them, there are 4,782 persons with particularly severe disabilities and 15,607 persons with severe disabilities. The meeting aimed to honor the resilient spirit and contributions of the disability community worldwide, in Vietnam, and specifically in Quang Tri. It also affirmed the importance of the participation and leadership of persons with disabilities in all aspects of life.

Quang Tri has a significant number of persons with disabilities. The provincial government estimates that there are approximately 37,000 individuals with disabilities, though the actual figure is likely higher. Authorities report that around 3,610 families have two members with disabilities, 874 families have three members, and nearly 500 families have four members with disabilities.

Tu Linh – Linh Pham