A new report from UNICEF has revealed that nearly 108 million children with disabilities in the Asia-Pacific region are not receiving essential services, a staggering figure that accounts for nearly half of the world’s 240 million disabled children. Key areas lacking support for these children include early education, proper nutrition, and protection from violence.
June Kunugi, the UNICEF Regional Director for East Asia and the Pacific, emphasized that the inability to access basic services like schooling and healthcare perpetuates a cycle of disadvantage for these vulnerable children. She pointed out that inclusive design in services not only benefits disabled children but also strengthens the entire system, promoting better outcomes for all.
Highlighting the situation in Fiji, the report noted that only one in four children with disabilities can complete basic math tasks, compared to nearly half of their peers without disabilities. This stark contrast underscores the critical need for a more inclusive educational environment.
UNICEF has called upon governments to enhance data collection on children with disabilities, ensure accessible services, provide protection from violence, and support affected families. Ending the stigma surrounding disabilities is also crucial, as it requires a collective effort from communities, leaders, and the media to foster a more supportive environment.
This report aligns with ongoing efforts in Fiji to address educational inequalities through initiatives like the Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission’s baseline study. This study aims to evaluate the rights and needs of children with disabilities in Fiji, collecting data that can inform policies to improve their access to education, healthcare, and critical services.
The focus on improving the lives of children with disabilities represents a hopeful step towards creating a more equitable society. By prioritizing inclusion and allocating resources effectively, there lies a potential to uplift the futures of tens of millions of disabled children across the region.
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