1. 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, October 2008
David Parker Deputy Director, UNICEF IRC Florence, Italy

2. 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

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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

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

10. 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)

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. Thank you www.unicef-irc.org