When children miss out on rights, CBM steps in
Friday 20 November 2009 marks 50 years since the UN's Declaration of the Rights of the Child.
The Declaration of the Rights of the Child was proclaimed by the UN’s General Assembly resolution 1386 (XIV) on 20 November 1959. Although not legally binding, it showed the world’s moral intent to protect the rights of children. This was followed in 1989 by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which held state parties legally accountable to the protection of the children’s rights if they signed the convention. CBM’s work applies particularly to Principle 5 of the declaration: "The child who is physically, mentally or socially handicapped shall be given the special treatment, education and care required by his particular condition."
Every day, children with disabilities miss out on basic human rights. To make a real, positive difference to real people’s lives, people with disabilities need to be included in all aspects of their community life.
What does this mean for CBM's work?
CBM believes that the impact of working with children with disabilities is far-reaching, both in terms of the attitudes that society holds about disability as children get older, and the opportunities that children with disabilities can explore as a result of having access to health and education. One of CBM’s goals is for all children with disabilities to have access to good-quality primary education and equal participation within community life.
"To CBM every child matters. Disability should never be a barrier to a child's rights - CBM works towards a world where every child with a disability has the right to achieve their full potential," Dr Bill McAllister, CEO CBM UK.
CBM supports schools, trains teachers and develops learning materials for children with disabilities in poor countries. To make a difference that lasts, CBM urges governments to give every child an education in line with the Millennium Development Goals. Around 77 million children do not get the chance to go to school – one third of these are children with disabilities. In Africa, fewer than 10% of children with a disability attend school.
CBM encourages its 700 partners worldwide to address the needs of people with disability in their communities; and also advocates for justice and equality, persuading others of their responsibilities towards people with disabilities.
Further Reading
- Declaration of the Rights of the Child (1959) - wikipedia article
- Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989) - wikipedia article
To help us continue providing treatment, education and care that children with disabilities need, please donate now.