But he noted during this day celebrated on April 2nd that obstacles continue to prevent autistic individuals around the world from exercising their fundamental rights to social education, rights recognized in the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

According to the Secretary-General, to realize these fundamental rights, States must invest in strengthening local systems of support for inclusive education and training programs and provide autistic individuals with the means to exercise the same rights as the rest of the population by giving them access to solutions that leverage technologies.

"In order to increase support and investments in countries and communities, we must work hand in hand with autistic individuals and their allies," he added, calling for unity "to realize the rights of autistic individuals and ensure that the world is inclusive and accessible to everyone."

The rights of autistic individuals have been advocated for since the United Nations General Assembly designated April 2nd as World Autism Awareness Day in 2007. The United Nations has observed this day as a means to affirm and promote the full realization of all human rights and fundamental freedoms of autistic individuals. Significant progress has been made in raising awareness and acceptance of autism, thanks to the many autism advocates who have worked tirelessly to make the lived experience of autistic individuals known to the rest of the world.

Edith Tamfumu/Trainee