Today, December 3rd marks the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, observed annually by the United Nations to shine a light on issues that concern persons with disabilities and to advocate for their ability to participate in every sphere of life – be it political, economic, social or cultural – without hindrance or discrimination.
To observe this year’s International Day of the Persons with Disabilities, Child Advocacy Network of Disability Organizations (CAN DO) launched a partnership with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, for the year 2015. The Embassy’s donation of USD 41,712 will go towards CAN DO’s programmes onimproving coordination and collaboration of NGOs working towards rights of children with disabilities, increasing public awareness on disabilities, improving access to information for children with disabilities and their families, capacity-building of service providers through training and education as well as advocacy on issues of importance for children with disabilities. The first of a series of mini-documentaries to raise awareness on the situation of children with disabilities was also launched today, at a ceremony held at the Chinese Embassy.
“As a unique network, “CAN DO”will provide a platform to exchange ideas on the rights of children with disabilities, to raise awareness, and to advocate for their rights.” Ambassador Wang Fukang noted during the ceremony. “We believe it is very befitting for us to make use of technology like documentaries, TV, and Internet to advocate the rights of children with disabilities”Ambassador Wang Fukang also added.
CAN DO will also host a panel discussion tonight, to discuss various issues concerning children with disabilities in the country. Representatives from the Ministry of Law and Gender, Human Rights Commission of the Maldives, Disability Council and civil society will participate to discuss initiatives taken by their respective sectors, existing challenges as well as propositions to further enhance the rights of children with disabilities in the Maldives.
Advocating the Rights of Children (ARC) remains committed to the values enshrined in this day and to continue close collaboration with all stakeholders, to protect and promote the rights and wellbeing of children with disabilities in the country. Through CAN DO, ARC aims to work together to implement the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and the Maldives Disability Act, so that every child with disabilities in the country can live with full rights and dignity and are provided with opportunities to realize his or her full potential.
CAN DO is a network established by ARC in March 2014, that works towards the full implementation of rights of children with disabilities. In addition to ARC, founding members of CAN DO include Association for Disability and Development (ADD), Beautiful Eyes Down Syndrome Association, Blind and Visually Impaired Association of Maldives, Care Society, Maldives Autism Association, Maldives Deaf Association (MDA) and Maldives Association of Physical Disables (MAPD).