Launch of Official UN "Autism Awareness" Stamps

The United Nations Postal Administration (UNPA) has issued stamps and first day covers today in recognition of World Autism Day. The stamps, and the eight artists who designed them, will together raise awareness about this important global cause. The final selection of the artwork was the result of a worldwide search for talented artists with autism who were eager to share their designs with the UNPA.

The stamps will be launched at the United Nations Post Offices in New York, Geneva and Vienna.

Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that manifests itself during the first three years of life. The rate of autism in all regions of the world is high and it has a tremendous impact on children, their families, communities and societies.

Throughout its history, the United Nations family has promoted the rights and well-being of the disabled, including children with developmental disabilities. The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities entered into force in May 2008. Its purpose is to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities, and to promote respect for their inherent dignity. (Source: Text of the Convention, article 1) It is a solid tool to foster an inclusive and caring society for all and to ensure that all children and adults with autism can lead full and meaningful lives.

The United Nations General Assembly unanimously declared 2 April as World Autism Awareness Day (A/RES/62/139) to highlight the need to help improve the lives of children and adults who suffer from the disorder.

Links:

• United Nations World Autism Awareness Day webpage:
  http://www.un.org/en/events/autismday/index.shtml

• World Autism Awareness Day Events:
  http://www.un.org/en/events/autismday/2012/events.shtml

• UN Pulse from U.N. Dag Hammarskjöld Library
  http://un-library.tumblr.com/

• United Nations Postal Administration – Press Release
  http://unstamps.un.org/doc/Announcement/Autism.pdf

• United Nations Postal Administration – Autism page
  http://unstamps.un.org/

• Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities – UN enable
  http://www.un.org/disabilities/default.asp?id=150