THE DUKE of Sussex has backed a new human rights campaign which aims to represent the world’s 1.2 billion disabled people.

The campaign called WeThe15 aims to end discrimination by striving for visibility, accessibility and inclusion.

Spearheaded by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and International Disability Alliance, the project has been supported by international organisations including the European Commission, UN Human Rights and Prince’s Harry’s Invictus Games Foundation.

The organisations will work with governments, businesses and the public during the next decade to alter attitudes and create more opportunities for disabled people.

The name WeThe15 denotes the percentage of the global population living with disabilities.

In a statement, Prince Harry said one of the reasons he was inspired to create the Invictus Games was to help destigmatise physical and invisible injuries and disabled people a platform to show the world that they can accomplish anything.

“Everybody at the Invictus Games Foundation is honoured to join the WeThe15 campaign and believe in its mission to inspire meaningful change in communities around the world,” he said.

To mark the launch, more than 125 world landmarks – including the London Eye, Empire State Building and Colosseum in Rome – will be lit up purple on August 19 - the colour associated with the disability community.

A short film promoting the campaign will be played during next week’s Paralympic Games opening ceremony.

IPC president Andrew Parsons said by uniting organisations and the world’s 1.2 billion people with disabilities behind one movement, “we will make a tangible and well overdue difference for the planet’s largest marginalised group”.

“Sport, and events such as the upcoming Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, are hugely powerful vehicles to engage global audiences,” he said.

“I strongly believe WeThe15 could be a real game-changer for persons with disabilities.”

Two-time Paralympic champion Richard Whitehead, who will defend his 200m title in Japan, said: “We need to empower and support every individual and give them the platform for success. It’s not about gold medals it’s about giving every person a feeling of self-worth.

“Hopefully sport and the WeThe15 campaign will reach out into those areas that haven’t heard about Paralympic sport and possibilities available.”