Children with disabilities

Recalling its general comment No. 9 (2006) on the rights of children with disabilities, the Committee urges the State Party to adopt a human rights-based approach to disability, to set up a comprehensive strategy for the inclusion of children with disabilities and:

(a) To develop an action plan containing specific measures to protect children with disabilities, especially children with intellectual disabilities, from systemic discrimination, and to prevent such discrimination, with a particular focus on participation, involvement and knowledge

(b) To eliminate disparities among municipalities in the provision of health and support services for children with disabilities, and ensure access to such services for all children with disabilities, including children belonging to ethnic minority groups

(c) To improve healthcare services for children with disabilities, including specialized mental health services for children with psychosocial disabilities and children with disabilities in child welfare institutions

(d) To provide the necessary resources for children with disabilities in rural areas

(e) To launch awareness campaigns aimed at eliminating bullying practices against children with disabilities

(f) To prevent the institutionalization of children with disabilities and ensure their access to family and community-based services, including respite-care services

(g) To strengthen the monitoring of residential facilities for children with disabilities by ensuring sufficient resources

(h) To undertake awareness-raising campaigns aimed at government officials, the general public and families to combat the stigmatization of and prejudice against children with disabilities and promote a positive image of children with disabilities as rights holders