29 March 2007

IHC stands up for rights of Auckland children

On the same day that a landmark human rights disability convention is being signed by New Zealand, the rights of Auckland children with disabilities are being put under the spotlight.

IHC New Zealand is running a children's rights seminar to highlight recent research and new initiatives or information relevant to disabled children's rights, wellbeing and development. All organisations involved in children's issues are invited.

"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 to take part in a seminar on Friday 30 March in Auckland.

Ms Grant says that children with disabilities have the same basic rights as other children - that is the right to protection, participation and provision of services.

"Sadly in 2007 the fight for children and young people with intellectual disabilities to be respected and valued at home, at school and in communities, goes on. Some of the battles are new; some are reminiscent of the weary battles of the past."

On the same day as the children's rights seminar, the Convention on Protecting the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is being signed by New Zealand's Minister for Disability Issues Hon Ruth Dyson.

New Zealand has played a major role at the United Nations in negotiating this first human rights treaty of the 21st century.

It is an historic document for all persons with disabilities. It gathers the international civil, economic and political rights that are of special interest for people with disabilities and their families.

New Zealander Robert Martin attended every session of the Ad-Hoc Committee that developed the Convention. He shared his personal experience and knowledge of the needs of people with an intellectual disability.

Robert's interventions helped to change the perception of people with an intellectual disability from people with needs due to their deficits who are often invisible in their own communities, to people of value and worth.

Once ratified, the Convention will ensure that citizens with disabilities will enjoy their rights on an equal basis to all other citizens.

ENDS

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