Challenges, Opportunities and Moving Forward the Agenda of Addressing Maltreatment in Children with Disabilities - An Example from Pakistan

Abstract

Background: Children with disabilities, are entitled to the same rights as enshrined in UNCRC because of the universality of this document. However, children with any kind of disability are at a much higher risk of maltreatment, especially in developing countries. This dynamic may be shaped by a lack of adequate laws, policies, trained staff, and coordination along with social context.
Objective: While writing this article, a detailed desk review was carried out to explore the policies and legislations relevant to rights and protection of children with special needs. A small study was also conducted to explore the present situation of children with disabilities in terms of abuse and neglect and how they can be safeguarded against neglect and abuse in Pakistan.
Materials and Methods: We did detailed desk review of policies and legislations regarding protection of children. We also conducted 10 in-depth interviews to understand the condition of children with special needs in reference to child rights and child protection. Themes emerging from qualitative research are discussed to elaborate on the results.
Results: Lack of awareness, illiteracy, parental poverty are risk factors whereas the joint family system contributes positively to the protection of children with disabilities.
Conclusion: Linking with Pakistan’s commitments, policies, laws, existing systems, and social context, this study provides an insight on challenges, opportunities, and how the rights-based agenda of protecting children with disabilities can be taken forward. However, for more in depth knowledge of situation more detailed research needs to be conducted.