The first analysis on children with disabilities launched in Myanmar

The first ever situation analysis in Myanmar to provide a systematic understanding of the experiences of children with disabilities and their families was launched by the Department of Social Welfare, Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement, in collaboration with UNICEF.

The study, which was supported by the Multi Donor Education Fund, analyses the current situation of children with disabilities in relation to realizing their rights and accessing basic services, as well as their life experiences in their communities. It also focuses on identifying the barriers created by society that prevent children with disabilities from enjoying their human rights.

The report reveals that children with disabilities in Myanmar are less likely to access services in health or education; rarely have their voices heard in society; and face daily discrimination as objects of pity.

The information available in this publication will be useful for policy makers, development partners and Disabled Persons Organisations to contribute to the realization of the rights of all children with disabilities, as stated in the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), which the country signed in 2011.

Here are the some of the images of the Situation Analysis launch, which brought together children with disabilities, representatives of Government Ministries, parliamentarians, INGOs, civil society organisations (CSO), and religious leaders.

May Thinzar Tin and Thant zaw Oo, representatives of associations for people with disabilities, took part in the launching ceremony

Children with disabilities, ministries, INGOs and CSO representatives participated in the launching ceremony in Naypyidaw

May Thinzar Tin, who was infected with polio when she was one years old, told her story and what she has been facing as a person with disability

The Minister of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement looks at creative works produced by children with disabilities

Members of a local women’s organisation talk with a boy who attends a public institution for children with visual impairment

A child with hearing impairment explains to the minister and other participants the challenges she faces in her daily life  

A boy proudly shows a card signed by the Minister of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement, who encouraged him to pursue his dream of becoming a writer 

Children, Ministries’ representatives, religious leaders and parliamentarians took the stage for a group photo
©UNICEF Myanmar/2016/Khine Zar Mon