Inclusion International Issues Statement for UN Special Session on Children
The United Nations General Assembly Special Session on Children will be an opportunity to review our progress in protecting the rights of children since the World Summit on Children in 1990. For children who have a disability, the review is important both in terms of monitoring progress under the articles of the Convention but also because it offers an opportunity to evolve our understanding of human rights.
It is time to establish inclusion as a human rights objective, so that every article under the Convention is read with a view to the inclusion of children who have a disability and others who are marginalized. Inclusion is both a concept and a practise that extends beyond the notion of integration. It is the very vehicle by which the human rights of people with disabilities and others who are marginalized are attained. Inclusion allows for children with disabilities to have equal access to regular education, to be welcomed and valued in the community in which they live, and to grow and develop alongside their brothers and sisters. Perhaps even more importantly, it is time that we understand the human rights of all children as more than protection from abuse. A proactive approach to the human rights of all children requires strategies which build the social, economic and political conditions which decrease the incidence of child poverty, political conflict and social exclusion.
This document highlights the implications of the Convention for children who have a disability and advances the position that the realisation of human rights for children who have a disability requires the adoption of inclusive practices.
Article 6
"1. States Parties recognize that every child has the inherent right to life. 2. States Parties shall ensure to the maximum extent possible the survival and development of the child."
With inclusion as an everyday reality,the lives of children with disabilities are accepted and valued.
Article 9
"1. States Parties shall ensure that a child shall not be separated from his or her parents against their will, except when competent authorities subject to judicial review determine, in accordance with applicable law and procedures, that such separation is necessary for the best interests of the child. Such determination may be necessary in a particular case such as one involving abuse or neglect of the child by the parents, or one where the parents are living separately and a decision must be made as to the child's place of residence."
With inclusion as an everyday reality, families are supported to care for their children with disabilities at home. Avery Ferron, Grade 3(A), Montague Conc. School, P.E.I.
Article 23
"1. States Parties recognize that a mentally or physically disabled child should enjoy a full and decent life, in conditions which ensure dignity, promote self-reliance and facilitate the child's active participation in the community."
With inclusion as an everyday reality,all children can grow and develop to the best of their ability.
Article 28
"1. State Parties recognize the right of the child to education and with a view to achieving the right progressively and on the basis of equal opportunity, they shall, in particular: a) Make primary education compulsory and available free to all;"
With inclusion as an everyday reality, children with disabilities will be supported to participate and learn in regular schools among their peers.
Resolution adopted unanimously by General Assembly of Inclusion International September, 2000
Whereas:
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Children with disabilities are among the most vulnerable populations in the world
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Investing in all children is essential if we are to build a future of rights, democracy, peace and solidarity.
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The UN is preparing for a Special Session to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
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Nations, communities, civil society organiza-tions and donors are developing and imple-menting policies to coincide with the anniversary; which often ignores the rights and the support needs of children with dis-abilities and their families.
Be it resolved:
That Inclusion International adopt and promote the following policy position on the rights of children with disabilities and their families: That Governments, donor agencies, civil society organizations, employers, families and communities should be encouraged to advance the rights and inclusion of all children by investing in and promoting the following six point policy:
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Establish inclusive values, rights, and approaches for healthy child development
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Make elimination of child and family poverty a priority
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Ensure needed child and family supports at home and in the community
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Foster inclusive communities
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Strengthen civil society and build solidarity
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Commit to information gathering on disability for inclusive policy development
Development and printing of this document was supported by the Canadian Association for Community Living and the Canadian International Development Agency. For more information contact:
CACL
York University,
Kinsmen Building
4700 Keele Street
Toronto, Ontario
M3J 1P3
T: (416) 661-9611
F: (416) 661-5701
info@cacl.ca
www.inclusion-international.org
In a multi-pronged effort to engage the participation of children and youth, UNICEF, Save the Children-Canada, CACL, and the International Steering Committee for the 6th International Congress have coordinated strategies to involve the voices of youth. From these initiatives, the Expressions of Inclusion (posters shown here) were compiled from children and youth from around the world during the 6th International Congress on Including Children with Disabilities in the Community, October 22-24, 2000 Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
With inclusion as an everyday reality, children with disabilities and their families will no longer be undervalued, excluded, and ignored.
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