Implementation of UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in public and private schools in three districts of Uganda

The study was grounded in the recent developments of implementing the United Nations Convention on the Right of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) in schools in Uganda, leading to a renewed interest in the questionings about inclusive education. Objectives: The inclusive approach was evaluated in terms of: (1) how public or private schools in Uganda understand inclusive education; (2) how schools implement inclusive education under the influence of the UN Convention; and (3) what determines the course of action and school routine of private and state schools. Methods: This exploratory qualitative research included interviews with six schools purposively selected in Mukono, Wakiso and Kampala districts of Central Uganda. The selected schools comprised three private and three state schools (i.e. representing primary and secondary schools and a vocational training institute). Results: The research demonstrated that 'inclusive education practice' that was upheld by all the schools, was ironically stained with exclusion, for example, by non-admission of students with visual and hearing impairment, inaccessible physical environment, inadequate funding and separation of students according to abilities. However, whilst all schools followed the regular curriculum, some schools developed their own ways of teaching learners with diverse learning needs. Conclusion: Some schools in Uganda have developed meaningful approaches of including students with disabilities but there are still many challenges for many. Enforcing Uganda's disability policies adapted from the CRPDs could enable learners with disabilities to enjoy their legal rights. Contribution: Since the intention of inclusion of students with disabilities stands in contrast to the reality of practice found in many schools, there seems to be a need to carry out regular assessments and measures of support for a sustainable inclusive school development

The convention on the rights of persons with disabilities UN: analysis of the implementation in Andalucía (Spain) of article 33 / La convención sobre los derechos de las personas con discapacidad de la ONU: análisis de la aplicación del artículo 33 en Andalucía (España)

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is a major human rights instrument of the United Nations with the goal of ensuring protection of rights of persons with disabilities. In Article 33, ‘National implementation and monitoring’ establishes, among other things, that States Parties shall implement the Convention and establish or designate a coordination mechanism at government level. This article aims to show the results of implementing Article 33 in Andalucía (Spain) in the context of the European project ‘Planning Inclusive Communities’ led by the University of Siegen (Germany). The methodology used in this study was based on a comparative analysis of data obtained through a series of surveys addressed to local governments in different European regions. This article shows the results obtained in Andalucía region where the Convention is disseminated in various formats, at local levels it shows a low presence, because ratification have neither led to a legal obligation at lower state levels. Local managers showed disregard for the principles of the Convention and its practical application. This lack of information at local level influences the methods that Spanish occupational therapists (OT) use with persons with disabilities in occupational centers (OC).

La Convención de las Naciones Unidas sobre los Derechos de las Personas con discapacidad es un importante instrumento de derechos humanos que tiene como objetivo garantizar la protección de los derechos de las personas con discapacidad. En el artículo 33, ‘Aplicación y seguimiento nacional‘ se establece, entre otras cosas, que los Estados deben aplicar los artículos de la Convención y establecer o designar un mecanismo de coordinación a nivel gubernamental. Este artículo tiene como objetivo mostrar los resultados obtenidos en Andalucía (España) de la aplicación del artículo 33 dentro del proyecto europeo `Planning Inclusive Communities‘ dirigido por la Universidad de Siegen (Alemania). La metodología seguida en este estudio se basó en un análisis comparativo de los datos obtenidos a través de una serie de encuestas dirigidas a gobiernos locales de diferentes regiones europeas. Este artículo muestra los resultados obtenidos en la región de Andalucía, en la cual la Convención se difunde en una gran variedad de formas. A nivel local, la Convención se muestra con una presencia baja debido a que la ratificación no ha conllevado una obligación legal en los niveles administrativos más bajos. Los gerentes locales mostraron un cierto desconocimiento de los principios de la Convención de las Naciones Unidas y su aplicación práctica. Esta falta de información a nivel local influye en los métodos que los terapeutas ocupacionales (TO) españoles utilizan con las personas con discapacidad en los centros ocupacionales (CO).

Right to Health for Children.

India is a signatory to UN Convention on Child Rights but the allocation of funds and interventions to address health problems have been insufficient. A rights-based rather than a welfare approach is needed to realize child rights, of which health and education are crucial. The health needs of the newborn (survival), infant (vaccinations, nutrition) and preschool child (infections, development) require particular attention. Health care delivery systems should be made fully functional, programs properly implemented, and accountability ensured at all levels. Basic curative services must be provided free for all children. Functional health literacy should be provided to the underprivileged.