UNESCO Launches updated Handbook on Media Reporting for Promoting Disability Equality in China

The Handbook has been developed based upon solid first-hand experience in media research, monitoring and training in recent years by the lead authors, in consultation with experts in the area of disability and media communications. It aims to increase awareness and understanding among media and communications professionals of disability issues and of the diversity of persons with disabilities and their situations. 

The Handbook serves as a convenient tool for media professionals on how to cover the stories involving persons with disabilities with a view to promoting their dignity and equal rights. For Communications Officers serving at Organizations of Persons with Disabilities, it provides practical guidance that could help them better advocate through media channels.

Compared with the previous version, this updated version incorporates two additional chapters, respectively focusing on barrier-free access to information and communication and issues related to media reporting; and reporting of public emergency and disability equality, in response to the mostpressing issues that come along with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Currently, there are approximately 1 billion persons with disabilities in the world. China is home to over 85 million persons with disabilities – the largest disability community in the world. Like elsewhere in the world, persons with disabilities, especially girls and women with disabilities, still remain one of the most marginalized groups in our society.

Stigma, compounded by a lack of understanding of the rights and the value of the contributions of persons with disabilities to society, continues to fuel systemic discrimination towards them.

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities requires state parties to raise awareness and combat stereotypes related to persons with disabilities, including by encouraging all media to portray persons with disabilities in a manner consistent with respect for human rights.

With the support of the United Nations Partnership on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNPRPD) China Programme, this Handbook on Media Reporting for Promoting Disability Equality in China was prepared by, for, and with persons with disabilities.

UNESCO commends the Handbook to a wide audience, including media professionals, journalism educators, and organizations of persons with disabilities from China and all over the world.

UNESCO is one of the UN agencies actively involved in promoting disability rights and implementing the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. In China, UNESCO works toward promoting disability awareness in society, changing negative attitudes and creating an enabling environment of trust and respect, including by building the capacity of journalists, media professionals, as well as CSOs and DPOs in reporting and advocating for persons with disabilities in a manner consistent with respect for human rights.