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UNICEF: Focus on capabilities of kids with disabilities, ensure their rights

By ROSE-AN JESSICA DIOQUINO, GMA News

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) called on communities to focus on the capabilities of children with disabilities as well as look after their rights in order to understand them and integrate them better in society.

On Monday, UNICEF deputy representative Julia Rees said awareness of CWDs' situation is key to address their needs better and remove social stigma.

"Children with disabilities have the same social needs, interests, and rights as any other child. However, largely due to social stigma and daily discrimination—in the form of negative attitudes, lack of adequate policies and legislations—children with disabilities are often denied opportunities for participation and integration," Rees said during the opening of the "See What I Can Do" photo exhibit, in partnership with SM Supermalls and Camera Club of the Philippines.

 

 

"They are often likely to be among the poorest members of the population," Rees added. "They are less likely to attend school, access medical services, or have their voices heard in society. Their disabilities also place them at a higher risk of physical abuse and often exclude them from receiving proper nutrition or humanitarian assistance in emergencies."

Rees said communities should engage CWDs into their activities to make the environment more inclusive for them.

"Children with disabilities and their communities would both benefit if society focused on what those children can achieve... We should see the wealth of ability that each child with disability can offer and enable them to engage and participate in their communities," she said.

 

 

UNICEF estimates said there are about 3.3 million children with disabilities in the Philippines, or about 8 percent of the population between ages zero to 18.

Rees noted, however, that a primary problem in addressing the sector's concern is the lack of solid data.

"It could be higher than that. I think one of the issues is that we don't have exact data, so we're looking at estimates of children. It's a hard thing to gauge because children with disabilities involve a whole range of issues," she said in an interview.

Rees noted that the Philippines was among the first signatories of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and also among those who signed for the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

This, she pointed out, is supported by national laws and local ordinances that uphold the rights of children with disabilities, including the Anti-Child Abuse Act (R.A. No. 7610) and the Child and Youth Welfare Code.

Rees also said "a lot is being done in the Philippines" to push for awareness and the rights of children with disabilities.

This includes partnerships the UNICEF has with both public and private organizations.

The international organization has been working with government agencies for education and health programs, including a benefit package for children with disabilities, which has been approved for national implementation at PhilHealth. 

The "See What I Can Do" exhibit, meanwhile, features photos of children with disabilities, highlighting their talents. The exhibit will run at SM Mall of Asia and SM City Clark until July 23.

"I think the first thing [that is important] is raising awareness. I think that's why events like today are really important. To raise awareness to what children can do," Rees said.

She added: "There is a lot being done in the Philippines. I think it's great having partnerships that really highlight the issues. I think what is really important is public awareness and acceptance, not focusing on the disability but on the child and what the child can do. That's the positive approach." — BM, GMA News

Tags: personswithdisability, unicef, pwds, pwd, lenirobredo
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