Spanish group calls for bolstering of disabled children's rights

Madrid, Spain, Nov 21, 2012 / 16:02 pm

On Universal Children's Day marked worldwide on Nov. 20, the organization Down Spain called for increased protection of the rights of children with Down's Syndrome.  

According to the group, the rights of children who suffer from disabilities "are still being violated in areas such as health care and education, which makes it difficult for them to be fully included in society."

The organization recalled that article 7 of the International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities establishes that "States Parties shall take all necessary measures to ensure the full enjoyment by children with disabilities of all human rights and fundamental freedoms on an equal basis with other children."

This is something "that has not yet been achieved in our country," Down Spain said.

The group called on the Spanish government "to ensure equal opportunity for all handicapped children and to offer them the support they need at each stage of their lives, so that they can be citizens of full right and make a contribution to an inclusive society that recognizes and respects the diversity of all persons."

Down Spain also noted that the Convention obliges the Spanish government to ensure "that handicapped children have the right to freely express their opinions about all matters that affect them" and "to receive appropriate assistance in accord with their handicap and age in order be able to exercise this right."

Since its founding, the organization has worked to help children with Down's Syndrome to develop their skills and become autonomous. It also works to defend and promote their rights through various initiatives and programs.