NCDA urges inclusive, respectful Christmas celebrations for PWDs

The National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) on Wednesday urged the public to uphold respectful and inclusive holiday celebrations, warning against the mockery or imitation of persons with disabilities (PWDs) during Christmas and New Year activities.

As families, friends, and communities come together this holiday season, the NCDA reminded the public to respect the dignity and rights of persons with disabilities in all forms of celebration, including parlor games and entertainment. The Council stressed that the season of joy should never be a time when disabilities are used as objects of imitation, ridicule, or mockery, whether in private gatherings or public events.

The NCDA said it has received reports of incidents involving the imitation and mockery of persons with disabilities during holiday activities, some of which were recorded and uploaded on social media for entertainment and online engagement. Such acts, the Council noted, perpetuate stigma and discrimination and cause harm not only to persons with disabilities but also to their families and the wider disability community.

These practices, according to the NCDA, violate the spirit and intent of Republic Act No. 7277, or the Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities, as amended by RA 9442 and RA 10524, which uphold the dignity, respect, and equal rights of persons with disabilities. They also run counter to the Philippines’ commitments under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), which calls on States to combat stereotypes, prejudice, and harmful practices relating to disability, including those perpetuated through media and cultural activities.

The Council warned that any form of mockery, imitation, or degrading portrayal of disability uploaded on social media may be reported to the concerned platforms. It said the NCDA will actively coordinate with social media companies to have such content taken down in accordance with community standards, anti-discrimination policies, and existing laws protecting the rights of persons with disabilities.

“As we celebrate this holiday season, the NCDA calls on everyone to promote inclusive, respectful, and dignified celebrations. Let us ensure that our joy does not come at the expense of others. True celebration reflects our shared commitment to respect equality, and the full inclusion of persons with disabilities in all aspects of society,” the Council said in its statement.