UN adopts Universal Declaration of Human Rights, December 1948
The principle stated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, that "everyone has the right to dignity and autonomy," asserts that each person should be regarded as inherently dignified and valuable, free from discrimination or exclusion. This means that everyone has the right to determine their own lifestyle, beliefs, viewpoints, and choices, and should have equal opportunities and rights under the law and societal structures. This principle encourages respect for individual diversity and dignity, emphasizing society's responsibility to ensure that everyone can freely develop and fulfill their potential, regardless of their physical abilities, mental state, gender, race, religious beliefs, or any other characteristics. This concept underscores that respect and rights are indispensable to everyone and underscores the importance of understanding and supporting issues related to disabilities.
Therefore, the principles outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights seamlessly integrate with the significance of addressing disabilities. Just as "Empowering Echoes" symbolizes the empowerment of individuals with strength, abilities, or resources to maximize their potential, it resonates deeply with the human rights principle of dignity and autonomy. This synergy highlights the transformative power of empowerment, which not only uplifts individuals but also enriches society as a whole by fostering inclusivity, respect for diversity, and the realization of human potential across all facets of life.Aligned with these principles, our team of 5 juniors from Taipei Fuhsing Private School, 11th grade, aims to delve into the significance and importance of the theme "Empowering Echoes," focusing particularly on one of its core origins—issues related to disabilities.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Article 1
All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.
Classification of Disabilities
The International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF)
The International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF), developed by the World Health Organization (WHO), is a comprehensive framework for measuring health and disability at both individual and population levels. It establishes a standardized language and structure for describing and organizing information on functioning and disability, encompassing environmental factors that significantly influence these aspects. Endorsed unanimously by all 191 WHO Member States in 2001, ICF stands as the global benchmark for describing and measuring health and disability. It shares a foundational basis with the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) and the International Classification of Health Interventions (ICHI), utilizing shared extension codes to enable detailed documentation.