PACIFIC CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES
Findings from a review for the UNICEF Mid‐term Review
Helen Tavola & Nainasa Whippy
Definition of disability
• Persons with disabilities include those who have long‐term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others. (CRPD)
Key Guiding frameworks
• Convention on the Rights of the Child • Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) • Millenium Development Goals • Education For All • Biwako Millenium Framework +5 • Pacific Regional Strategy on Disability
Methodology of study
• Consulted widely in Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu • Consulted 82 persons • Consulted wide range of documentation • Review takes a rights‐based approach to disability vis‐a‐vis a medical or charity approach
The situation of children with disabilities in the Pacific is one of disadvantage, neglect & discrimination
• Despite cultural attitudes of inclusiveness, stigma & discrimination persist, thus many CWD are hidden, making them invisible • Neglect and abuse are not uncommon • Very limited early detection, identification & intervention
• The majority never attend school thus do not develop skills for life → life of poverty • Health services not focussed on disability issues: general lack of coordination • Support to families almost non‐existent
Data
• Many PICs have done national or provincial surveys • Some PICs include questions on disability in national census but results not reliable • Despite lack of accurate data, there is enough to ascertain that there are CWD in every PIC • Recommend that national statistics offices be encouraged to include disability in regular collection of statistics
EARLY DETECTION, IDENTIFICATION & INTERVENTION
• This is crucial as early intervention can enable ...
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