When persons living with intellectual disabilities enjoy full access to universal human rights, they can exhibit “genuine physical and mental health.”

That’s the perspective of Javier Vasquez, who observes the achievements and challenges of people with intellectual disabilities first hand, in his role as Vicepresident of Health Programs of Special Olympics.

Some 250 million people in the world live with an intellectual disability, yet their input is often ignored when it comes to their education, legislative decisions, and even their own health.

Mr. Vasquez explained to Antonio Lafuente of UN News, how the UN can help foster the relationship between health and human rights for people with intellectual disabilities.