UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s Message for World Autism Awareness Day 2010
2 April, 2010


联合国秘书长潘基文世界提高自闭症意识日致辞
2010年4月2日


Autism is a complex and inadequately understood disability with a wide range of manifestations.  Children and adults with autism -- and, indeed, those living with disabilities in general -- have a double burden.  In addition to the daily challenges of their disability, they must also cope with the negative attitudes of society, inadequate support for their needs and, in some cases, blatant discrimination.


自闭症是一种复杂的障碍性疾病,有多种症状表现,而人们对此却不够了解。患自闭症的儿童和成年人,实际上可以说,所有残疾人都面临双重负担。他们一方面必须每日克服残疾障碍,另一方面必须应对社会的消极态度、需求得不到充分的声援等问题,有时则不得不应对公然的歧视。


The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which entered into force in May 2008, is a powerful tool to redress such situations.  It aims to promote equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by persons with disabilities.  As of today, 144 countries have signed the Convention and 83 have ratified it.


2008年5月生效的联合国《残疾人权利公约》是纠正此种状况的强有力工具。该公约旨在促进残疾人平等享受所有人权和基本自由。迄今已有144个国家签署了该公约,83个国家批准了公约。


World Autism Awareness Day is dedicated to creating greater understanding about autism and promoting universal adherence to the United Nations Convention.  By combining research and awareness-raising efforts, we can provide adults and children with disabilities such as autism the protection, support and full membership of an inclusive society.


专门设立世界提高自闭症意识日,目的是推动增加对自闭症的认识并促进普遍加入联合国《残疾人权利公约》。一方面大力开展研究,另一方面努力提高认识,我们便能够为自闭症患者等残疾成年人和儿童提供保护、支助,使他们能够充分成为包容性的社会的一分子。


As we commemorate World Autism Awareness Day 2010, let us remember that each of us can take on that responsibility.  Let us join persons with autism, their families and their advocates in a community of voices for greater awareness and understanding.  Let us also look within and re-evaluate our attitudes and those of our societies so we can remove the prejudices that discriminate against persons with disabilities.  Let us dedicate ourselves to creating a fair and caring society that affords true dignity and rights for all.


值此2010年世界提高自闭症意识日活动之际,我们要牢记的是,我们每个人都能担负起这一责任。让我们与自闭症患者及其家人以及他们的代言人一起行动,共同发出声音,推动人们增强意识并提高认识。我们还应反省自身,重新评价我们自己以及社会其他成员的态度,以期消除那些歧视残疾人的偏见。让我们大家着力创造一个公正、仁爱的社会,给予所有人真正的尊严和权利。