World Down Syndrome Day was created to celebrate the lives of people with Down syndrome and to make sure they have the same freedoms and opportunities as everybody else.
21st March (21/3) matches the 3 copies of chromosome 21. This is unique to people with Down syndrome.
World Down Syndrome Day has been an official part of the United Nations calendar since 2012.
On 21st March each year, Down Syndrome International calls everyone to action with a theme to ensure the human rights of people with Down syndrome and works with members to organise worldwide activities and discussions.
The theme is what we are asking supporters to talk about on and around World Down Syndrome Day. This year we are calling on everyone around the world to stand "Together Against Loneliness"
Why is it important to mark World Down Syndrome Day?
Around 1 in 800 babies is born with Down syndrome. It is the most common chromosomal disorder.
But sadly, all around the world, people with Down syndrome are treated badly…
- They are denied a quality education.
- They are denied good health care.
- They are denied the chance to work and earn their own money
- They are not allowed to make decisions about their own lives
- Their voices are not heard!
The voices of people with Down syndrome and their families must be heard because change is important!
History of World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD)
Down Syndrome Association Singapore launched and hosted the WDSD website from 2006-2010, on behalf of Down Syndrome International, for global activities to be recorded.
The Brazilian Federation of Associations of Down Syndrome worked with the Down Syndrome International network to launch an extensive campaign to generate international support.
Following the joint work of Brazil and Poland, the resolution was adopted by consensus during the plenary meeting of the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday 10 November 2011.
Down syndrome groups and associations around the world campaigned for their governments to co-sponsor the resolution. The resolution was eventually co-sponsored by 78 UN Member States.
In addition, Down Syndrome International launched an international petition for the adoption of World Down Syndrome Day by the UN. This received more than 12,000 signatures in a 2 week period and was presented to the Chair of the Third Committee.
On 19 December 2011, the United Nations General Assembly declared 21 March as World Down Syndrome Day.
The General Assembly decided, with effect from 2012, to observe World Down Syndrome Day on 21 March each year, and invites all Member States, relevant organizations of the United Nations system and other international organizations, as well as civil society, including non-governmental organizations and the private sector, to observe World Down Syndrome Day in an appropriate manner, in order to raise public awareness of Down syndrome.
Down Syndrome International would like to thank everyone who supported this campaign, with particular thanks to the Government of Brazil, the Brazilian Federation of Associations of Down Syndrome, all of our member organisations who appealed to their governments for support, and to everyone who signed our international petition.
For more information about World Down Syndrome Day or how to get involved visit About WDSD - World Down Syndrome Day
