World Down Syndrome Day is celebrated March 21 each year beginning from 2012 after the UN General Assembly passed a resolution in 2011. This year’s theme of the day is “We Decide”. The theme conveys the message that all people with Down syndrome should have full participation in decision making about matters relating to or affecting their lives.
However, due to the prevailing negative attitudes, low expectations and discrimination people with Down syndrome have many barriers to have their own say in decision making regarding matters affecting their lives. Therefore realization of the decision making of people with Down syndrome requires basically ensuring their right to health, right to education, work, livelihood, recreation, and leisure.
This year’s World Down Syndrome Day is for the first time to be celebrated in Ethiopia at the House of Peoples Representatives, however, due to the Coronavirus threat, the celebration has been postponed for another time.
