'Rubel says': children's participation at the 7th meeting of the Ad Hoc Committee on the Disability Convention

Submitted by crinadmin on

Summary: Rubel, from Bangladesh, explains that the group of children he belonged to addressed the Committee to talk about the areas that they felt were most important for children in the world. Rubel also explains how they took part in a side event on "Raising the voices of Children and Young People with Disabilities".

 

The presentation focused on the areas that we felt were most important for children from all countries in the World, not just China, Bangladesh and the UK. These areas were:

  • Consultation of children and young people with disabilities in issues that affect them
  • Violence against children and young people with disabilities
  • Inclusion of facilities and in education
  • Support for families of children and young people with disabilities

We concentrated on personal stories in order to get our points across and to share experiences. During our discussions we came to realise the similarities between the issues for children and young people with disabilities. Although the UK is a far more developed country, we were surprised that the issues in the Convention were relevant, things aren’t perfect in the UK, children and young people with disabilities are still discriminated against.

At the presentation we were thanked for coming, the first time that children and young people with disabilities have addressed the Convention. We were photographed by people from many different countries and people from all over the World congratulated us and thanked us for our thoughts.

In the afternoon we took part in a side event, normally only a few people attend these – 72 people came to ours so I feel we made a real impact.

 

 

Rubel says (Bangladesh)

I am very happy to participate in this session but I felt little nerves. I prefer to ensure participation of more children form the different parts of the world in future to develop this kind of convention.

Bokul (Save the Children worker) says:

It is excellent. These processes will definitely encourage children's participation at a global level on children issues.

Shi Yanxia (China)

It was a success both the presentation in the morning and lunch time side event. I think we expressed our opinion and our voice has been heard by people from many different places.

Yao Yue (China)

I saw many disabled people on the meeting. I feel disabled people have really participated in the Convention making process.

Nazma says (Bangladesh)

I am very happy to raise issues related to the disabled children. It is nice for me to say something in front of global community.

Nancy says (UK)

I think it went really well! The feedback was very positive, we got to say everything we had discussed and I do feel like people listened.

Lucia says (UK)

I was nervous beforehand I was convinced I was going to muck it up. It went really well. People harassed us when we were leaving saying how good it was. I just hope that we had a positive impact on the future for disabled people.

 

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Read the children's statement

Read the Save the Children press release on the children's address

Read the UN press release on the children's address

 

 

Issues: 
Children with disabilities
Tags: 
x Disability News

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