United Nations, Dec 5 (TIWN) On the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which falls on December 3 annually, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that people with disabilities were among those most affected by the pandemic.

It should also "forge partnerships, tackle injustice and discrimination, expand access to technology and strengthen institutions to create a more inclusive, accessible, and sustainable post Covid-19 world."  About 80 per cent of people with disabilities live in developing countries, according to the UN. Nearly 46 per cent of people aged 60 and older have a disability.  One in every five women is likely to experience disability in her life, while for children, that figure is one in 10.  The top UN official urged all countries to fully implement the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to meet the needs of these people.  He said governments should also improve accessibility and dismantle legal, social, economic and other barriers with the active participation of persons with disabilities and their representative organisations.