UN Recognizes World Down Syndrome Day

The United Nations—and all of its member countries—have decided to set aside a special annual day to recognize Down syndrome, starting this year.

Late last year, the U.N. General Assembly approved a resolution. by consensus vote. to name March 21 as World Down Syndrome Day. Accordingly, member nations will be asked to promote awareness of the chromosomal disorder starting this spring.

For at least six years, Down syndrome advocates have promoted an awareness day on March 21. The U.N. action stands to bolster their efforts. March 21 is considered significant because Down syndrome occurs when an individual has three copies of the 21st chromosome (3/21).

The U.N. had previously set aside April 2 in 2007 to celebrate World Autism Awareness Day.