March 21 marks the World Down Syndrome Day. By the decision of the UN General Assembly, on March 21 of each year, since 2012, states, international organizations, citizens, representatives of civil and private sectors plan and implement various measures to raise awareness of the Down Syndrome.

In 2022, as part of the World Down Syndrome Day campaign, a question was asked: What is inclusion? The campaign gives anyone the opportunity to express his/her views on the inclusion of people with Down Syndrome, their integration with society and barriers that keep this group of society segregated.

It is well known that the full and effective participation and inclusion of persons with disabilities in society is one of the main principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD). Yet what does this mean in practice and what are the barriers that prevent individuals with Down Syndrome from becoming full members of society? The theme of the 2022 World Down Syndrome Day - #inclusionmeans – aims to open a discussion and gather information about inclusion.

Proper realization of the rights of people with Down Syndrome in the country still faces many obstacles, the elimination of which requires more efforts from the State.

The Public Defender once again calls on the authorities to promote the inclusion of people with Down Syndrome, which primarily means creating equal opportunities for them, providing conditions for their full inclusion in daily life, introducing services tailored to their individual needs, ensuring their access to education, health care, social protection, all aspects of social life, creating modern services and facilities to support functional and social skills needed for independent living, strengthening the families of people with Down Syndrome, combating stigma and stereotypes in society, and promoting respect for the rights and dignity of people with Down Syndrome.