Petition For World Down Syndrome Day

Down Syndrome International, with other organizations around the world, created a campaign to get World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) officially recognized in the United Nations Calendar.

WDSD is celebrated on Mar 21, or 3/21, because Down syndrome results from 3(copies of the) 21(st chromosome).

From DSI: Since 2006, over 60 countries around the world have made efforts to mark the date organizing hundreds of events to improve the quality of life of people with Down syndrome, point out their human rights and offer them an opportunity to be heard. 

By getting the date observed by the UN, we expect to spread the celebration to many other countries, especially those where people with Down syndrome are still marginalized and institutionalized, giving them the opportunity to fulfill their human rights. The measure also complies with Article 8 of Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities of the UN on awareness-raising.

Please sign the petition asking Member States to adopt a resolution at 2011 General Assembly Session.