This Sunday will see the Anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child¹, which was adopted by the UN General Assembly on 20 November 1989.  This Convention is a human rights treaty setting out the civil, political, economic, social, health and cultural rights of children. And in principle, it is a day to celebrate, if it wasn’t for the implementation of these basic human rights.

Nearly all countries of the world have signed and ratified the Convention. But its implementation into national law and policy is not always guaranteed. Be it the Financial Crisis making governments cut basic social services for children or ignoring the most vulnerable children.

Eurochild and Inclusion Europe repeatedly called on regional, national and European authorities to recognise the equal value of children with intellectual disabilities. They should also be happy to celebrate the 20th November. 

A recent joint report revealed that across the whole of Europe, children with intellectual disabilities are highly vulnerable to discrimination, abuse and exclusion². Preconceived ideas and prejudices against them are still strongly rooted. The voices of children with intellectual disabilities are not heard and their words are not taken seriously - they are 'invisible' children.

"With the financial crisis, it turns out that children with intellectual disabilities are not a priority. Governments use the financial crisis as an excuse to justify stopping progress in implementing children’s rights, especially in realisation of inclusive education." explained Maureen Piggot, President of Inclusion Europe. The right to inclusion in regular schools is of utmost importance for children with intellectual disabilities to be prepared to live in society, in their communities.

"We urge governments to stop placing children with intellectual disabilities in institutions. Properly implementing the UNCRC would mean to provide concerned families with appropriate community-based supports." said Maria Herczog, President of Eurochild and a member of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child. Too many children with intellectual disabilities are still living in institutions, far from their families, because of the lack of support and services or the lack of educational opportunities in their communities.

It has to be a joint effort to make the 20 November a 'Happy Birthday for all'.

• ¹ Find here more information about the UNCRC
  Note: This year’s special section of the UN Resolution on the rights of the child will focus on children with disabilities.
• ² Find here the European Report "Children's Rights for all! Implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child for children with intellectual disabilities" (together with 22 national reports): www.childrights4all.eu
• See also our Conference and Report Press Release with more background info
• About the project Children’s Rights for All!:In December 2009, Inclusion Europe, Eurochild and the Charles University in Prague embarked upon the research project to analyse the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child from the perspective of children with intellectual disabilities. The research, conducted by highly-qualified experts in the EU member states, focused on 5 priority areas: health, abuse, family and (de-)institutionalisation, education, as well as promotion, participation and antidiscrimination. The initiative received funding from DAPHNE Programme of the European Commission.
• Inclusion Europe (IE) is the European voice and representation of 70 member organisations of people with intellectual disabilities and their families. Founded in 1988, Inclusion Europe has an over 20-year track record of successful operation and defending the rights of its constituency.
• Eurochild is the European network of organisations and individuals promoting the rights and welfare of children and young people in Europe. Founded in 2004, the network has currently 109 Full and 36 Associate Members in 35 European countries.
  

For more information please contact:

Björn Becker, Information and Communication Officer, Eurochild
Tel.: +32 2 211 05 53, E-mail: bjoern.becker@eurochild.org  

Avenue des Arts 1-2
B-1210 Brussels
Belgium
T: +32 (0)2 511 70 83
F: +32 (0)2 511 72 98
www.eurochild.org
info@eurochild.org

 

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