Media release For immediate release

6 June 2006

Making a stand for children's rights

IHC NZ Inc is reenergising its commitment to children and young people's rights and wants other agencies, including government, to join the movement.

Director of Advocacy Trish Grant says that the rights of children, especially those with disabilities, are not being realised. This is despite those rights being protected in law.

"Children with intellectual disabilities and their families experience discrimination in many ways such as access to appropriate funding levels for their health, education and other needs. In some cases those legal rights do not guarantee their right to life." Ms Grant has invited all organisations who respond to the needs, rights and interests of all children and young people are invited to take part in a seminar on Wednesday 7 June in Wellington.

One of the objectives of the seminars is to mainstream disabled children's rights so they are included in the community of all children.

"I challenge all disability organisations, including IHC, to create structures and attitudes to encourage children and young people to have a say.

This is the second seminar in a series that is designed to reclaim the fight for children's rights. A feature will be a presentation by Robert Martin who spent his childhood in institutions.

Young people from Evolve Wellington Youth Service will talk about inclusion and what it means for them.

"We are giving young people a voice, through this seminar and in many other ways. I ask everyone, particularly disability agencies, government and the media, to be the ears to hear and respond to them."

ENDS

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