Around 93 million children - that is, 1 in 20 children under 14 years old - live with a moderate or severe disability. However, these global estimates are essentially speculative, because they come from data of very varied quality and contradictory methods to be reliable.
With the report on the State of the World's Children (EMI) that has been prepared for this year 2013, results of national surveys and independent studies are presented, although they should be interpreted with caution and should not be compared with each other.
The definitions of disability differ from one place to another and from one time to another, as do the design, methodology and analysis of the studies. In chapter 6 of the report These issues are discussed, as are some promising initiatives to improve data quality and availability..
Children with disabilities and their communities would benefit if society focused on what they can achieve, rather than what they cannot.Through EMI, UNICEF examines each year the factors that affect children around the world. The children to whom this edition is dedicated are not a problem ... 'Rather, they are sisters, brothers, friends or friends who have a favorite song, game or dish; a daughter or son with dreams and the desire to see them fulfilled '.
Children who suffer from a disability, but who have the same rights as any girl or boy
The international commitment to build more inclusive societies has resulted in a series of improvements in the situation of children with disabilities and their families, but very often these people have to continue to face obstacles that prevent their participation in the civic, social and cultural affairs of their communities. Achieving the promise of equity through inclusion will require action.
Measures to be taken according to the EMI
Ratify - and implement - the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Fight against discrimination and improve awareness of disability among the general public, decision makers and people who provide essential services for children and adolescents in sectors such as health, education and protection.
Remove the barriers to inclusion so that all children's environments - schools, health facilities, public transport and others - facilitate access and encourage the participation of children with disabilities with other children.
End the institutionalization of children with disabilities, starting with a moratorium on new admissions. This must be accompanied by the promotion and increased support for family-based care and community-based rehabilitation.
Support families so they can cope with high living costs and lost opportunities to earn income that are related to the care of children with disabilities.
Move beyond the minimum standards by incorporating children and adolescents with disabilities and their families in the evaluation of support and services designed to meet their needs.
Coordinate services in all sectors to address the wide range of problems faced by children and adolescents with disabilities and their families.
Incorporate children and adolescents with disabilities into the decision making that affects them, not only as beneficiaries, but also as agents in favor of change.
Promote a concerted research program worldwide on disability to generate reliable data and comparable that are necessary to guide the planning and allocation of resources, and to place more clearly children with disabilities on the development agenda.
The definitive test of all global and national efforts will be at the local level, since it consists of knowing if all children with disabilities enjoy their rights - including access to services, support and opportunities - on an equal footing. with other children, even in the most remote environments and in the most unfavorable circumstances.
If they are given the opportunity to prosper like other children, those with disabilities will have the potential to lead full lives and contribute to the social, cultural and economic vitality of their communities.
However, surviving and thriving is particularly difficult for children with disabilities.
Via | AEP More information | The State of the World's Children in Sin and More | Children with disabilities suffer more violence, Some of the greatest inequalities for children occur in urban areas
