Brazil proposes World Down Syndrome Day at the UN

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http://www.inclusive.org.br/?p=21375

The government of Brazil presented a draft resolution for the World Down

Syndrome Day, 21 / 3, to be recognized at the United Nations. The Brazilian

delegation at the UN expects the proposal A/C.3/66/L27receives support from

other sponsors. The project is expected to be voted next week n the United

Nation’s Third Commission, which deals with humanitarian issues.

The World Down Syndrome Day was established

by Down Syndrome International as 21 March to raise public awareness about

people with Down syndrome and to form self-determined, productive citizens

with Down syndrome, that are included in society and have a better quality of

life.

The date was chosen because it is written 21 / 3 (or 3 / 21),

which alludes to the three chromosomes number 21 that people with Down

syndrome carry. The idea of the day came from

geneticist Stylianos E. Antonarakis from University of Geneva, and

was defended in 2005 at the International Congress of Down Syndrome in

Mallorca, Spain. The date was first celebrated in 2006, in Singapore.

In Brazil, World Down Syndrome Day has been celebrated since 2006. Each years

there is an increase on the number of events, that in 2010 surpassed 100, around

the country.

Senator Lindbergh Farias introduced a bill this year (PLS 377-2011) so that

it becomes official date in the country.

Sign the international petition for the date to be adopted at the UN.

Source – Inclusive