The Rights of Children with Disabilities
A short film and useful reminder that all children have the same rights, and includes 10 principles for their protection, wellbeing and development. The principles can be used to help develop your own approaches to ensure that all children receive the support they deserve. The web page also includes links to other useful materials and information.
From UNICEF:
"Children and adolescents with disabilities can be vulnerable to violence, abuse, exploitation and neglect. The frequent ‘institutionalization’ of children with disabilities, denying them the right to grow up in a family environment, can further impact their ability to grow to their full potential and can increase their vulnerability. Furthermore, children living in conflict affected areas or children involved in the worst forms of child labour (armed conflict, commercial sexual exploitation, other hazardous work) may suffer from long-term physical, sensory, intellectual or psychosocial consequences. The Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) affirms that all children are entitled to protection from all forms of violence and this is reinforced by the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), which introduces specific measures in recognition of the fact that women and girls with disabilities are often at greater risk of violence, injury or abuse, neglect or negligent treatment, maltreatment or exploitation. The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities clearly states that disability should never justify deprivation of liberty (art. 14). It recognizes the right of children with disabilities to live in the community, backed up with the necessary support and services to make that possible."
More information at: https://sites.unicef.org/disabilities/index_65309.html
The South South Institute recognises that adults and children with disabilities face increased risk and vulnerability, and are therefore several times more likely to experience sexual violence, abuse and exploitation. Research also indicates that children and adults with disabilities, and their families often face significant barriers to accessing services, and are consequently less likely to access protective and support services. We are committed to developing and supporting initiatives to address these disparities, to ensure that people with disabilities receive the protection and support they deserve. This page includes some useful reports and resources which can help increase our understanding of the issues, and become more inclusive in our work. Please contact us at SSI for further information and support to address inclusion issues.
