Disabled children disproportionately vulnerable to violence: UNICEF

Citing studies from high-income countries, the report titled "The State of the World's Children 2013" said disabled children faced a far greater risk of experiencing violence: 3.6 times more likely for physical violence and 2.9 times more likely for sexual violence.

Mentally or intellectually disabled children stood a 4.6 time greater chance of becoming victims of sexual violence, according to the report that focused on children with disabilities.

UNICEF said that in situations of armed conflict, children especially with learning disabilities may be pressed into service as fighters "precisely because they are considered less valuable, or less likely to resist, than children without disabilities."

The report advocated the "inclusion" of disabled children in community life, rooted in the recognition that all children are full members of society.

As an example, it says that simply admitting children with disabilities to "regular" schools is an attempt for "integration" and falls short of inclusion.

For inclusion, schools should be designed and administered to allow children with and without disabilities of the same age to attend classes at the local school with additional, individually tailored support such as access to Braille, sign language and adapted curricula, it says.

The report noted the role of teachers in fostering commitment to inclusion. "Teachers who had received training in inclusive education had more positive attitudes than those who had received no training," it said. "Positive views on inclusion translated into less restrictive placements for specific students with disabilities."

UNICEF also called on states to ratify the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Japan is among those countries that have not done so, although Tokyo has been working out legislation necessary for its ratification.

Source: KYODO NEWS