The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) encouraged Filipinos to get rid of social and cultural stigma labelled against people with intellectual disabilities.
It also batted for the integration of their needs into the country’s educational system to provide them with equal opportunities and to better address the challenges they face.
In its Twitter account, the CHR joined in the observance of National Intellectual Disability Week that started last February and will continue until February 20. The theme for this year’s celebration is "Karapatan at Pantay-Pantay na Pagkakataon Para sa Lahat."
"Ang mga taong may mga intellectual disabilities ay ilan sa mga pinaka-marginalized, vulnerable, at disadvantaged na populasyon sa ating lipunan. Kadalasang nahaharap sila sa iba’t ibang porma ng social at cultural stigma, pati na rin diskriminasyon, (People with intellectual disabilities are some of the most marginalized, vulnerable, and disadvantaged populations in our society. They often face various forms of social and cultural stigma, as well as discrimination)," the CHR said.
CHR lamented that persons who have intellectual disabilities face certain limitations in cognitive functioning and skills, including communication, social, and self-care skills, and because of these limitations, they develop slowly or differently compared to others.
Thus, it pointed out that the country’s laws and policies should guarantee their protection and promote their human rights.