Protecting the Rights of Children with Disabilities Council of Europe, Swedish Presidency / Nordic Council of Ministers European Conference Protecting and Promoting the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Europe: Towards full participation, inclusion and empowerment Strasbourg, 29-30 October 2008 David Parker Deputy Director, UNICEF IRC Florence, Italy dparker@unicef.org

Priority on children with disabilities In the formative stages of their life-course Labels and identities given in childhood are of profound significance Potential gains from early attention Additional dimension of complexities of adolescence Linkages to other human rights instruments

Heckman curve: Returns to human capital investment Source: James Heckman (Carneiro & Heckman, 2003)

Barriers to inclusion Social model of disability: obstacles in the environment Policies and regulations Physical barriers Social barriers and stigma Attitudes and self-fulfilling expectations Poverty as a cause and a consequence of disability

Children in institutions Ongoing policy and programmatic reflections on institutional care Isolation from families and community life Developmental delays and often limited availability of care Particular problems of adolescents Strong advances toward community-based care Fostering and other alternative models Assessment - opportunity

Rights of children with disabilities Existing provisions in the CRC Key principle of non-discrimination Provisions – especially in education and social welfare – to the fullest social inclusion Limitations on how other rights have been taken up for children with disabilities Consultation in CRPD development with organizations of children with disabilities

The CRPD and children Full enjoyment of human rights on equal basis General principles of the CRPD applying to all persons Article 3 (h): “Respect for the evolving capacities of children with disabilities and respect for the right of children with disabilities to preserve their identities” Article 6: recognizing the particular situation of girls with disabilities

The CRPD and children (cont) Article 7: Children with disabilities Enjoyment of rights on an equal basis with other children The best interests of the child The right to express views and have them taken seriously Other rights in the Convention Access to justice Age-sensitive assistance for protection against violence & abuse Registration immediately after birth Right to family life Inclusive education, including all necessary support and aids Play, recreation, leisure and sporting activities

Einstein: “We cannot solve problems with the same kind of thinking that created them.”

Actions at national level Review of legislation Effective remedies in case of violations A cross-sectoral plan of action Focal points and interministerial coordination Independent monitoring mechanisms (e.g., ombuds)

Actions at national level (cont) Resource allocation to and for children and their families Promote alternatives to institutionalization Awareness-raising of the public Community services and support Centrality of organizations of persons with disabilities

The international level United Nations system processes Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Support to national level actions including advocacy Programme cooperation in some European countries Roles of multilateral & bilateral agencies, INGOs Close cooperation with national and regional partners

Principles of inclusion Consulting with and listening to children and families Integrated and life-cycle approach Working with parents and families, and all stakeholders Building on current momentum

Thank you www.unicef-irc.org