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International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2011

On the occasion of "International Day of Persons with Disabilities", UNESCO, UNICEF and CADD organized a Seminar on Inclusive Education and CRPD. Speaking on the occasion, UNESCO Representative/ Director, Dr. Kozue Kay Nagata urged to promote inclusiveness and diversity by drawing special attention to the issue of most marginalized groups, especially children and women with disabilities, who may be affected by multiple discriminations caused by disability, gender, and poverty. It was stressed during the events that children with disabilities are routinely denied access to health, education and social services. They are often excluded from opportunities to participate in their communities, and are more vulnerable to violence and abuse. Discrimination against children with disabilities stems from multiple sources, including ignorance, prejudice and cultural norms, which in turn lead to stigma and entrenched social exclusion. Their participation is further limited by multiple barriers, including lack of access to the physical environment and to information and communication; lack of adequate legislation, lack of public policies and monitoring mechanisms; and lack of training for teachers and other service providers. UNESCO is committed for working to overcome the barriers that stand between people with disabilities – especially children and women – and the full realization of their rights by highlighting the need for a shift in policies and programmes so that all environments – political, social, economic, cultural and educational– become more conducive to persons with disabilities having fully functional lives.

Prior to the introduction of the CRPD, UNESCO, based on its mandate of diversity and social inclusion, had already supported and institutionalized this fundamental principle of inclusiveness and inclusive education, fully reflected in the “UNESCO Salamanca Statement and Framework for Action for Special Needs Education”, with emphasis on an inclusive educational setting.

Ms Karen Allen, Deputy Representative UNICEF Pakistan along with Mr Junaid Iqbal, Federal Secretary Capital Administration & Development Division (CADD), Govt of Pakistan also expressed their views at the event and showed their commitment for the betterment of children with disabilities by creating child friendly inclusive environment in schools.