Children who have visual, hearing, developmental, or intellectual disabilities may not hear, know about, or understand what is happening.Ĭhildren with disabilities can also experience disruptions to education, lack access to services and humanitarian assistance, and face lasting psychological harm. Children with physical disabilities can struggle to flee without assistance and assistive devices such as wheelchairs, prostheses, crutches, or hearing aids. Their families can face a split-second decision, either to flee only with family members who can flee easily, or to remain behind to provide support. Since 2015, Human Rights Watch has documented the impact of armed conflict and crises on children with disabilities in Afghanistan, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, the Gaza Strip in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, South Sudan, Syria, and Yemen.Ĭhildren with disabilities are often at greater risk during attacks, including risk of abandonment. “Governments, the UN Security Council, UN agencies, and aid groups should urgently step up efforts to protect and assist children with disabilities as part of their commitments toward children affected by hostilities.” “Armed conflict takes a devastating toll on children with disabilities, yet governments and the UN have not done nearly enough to protect them,” said Jane Buchanan, deputy disability rights director at Human Rights Watch. The United Nations and governments around the world need to urgently ensure protection and assistance for children with disabilities in these circumstances. (New York) - Children with disabilities often face increased risk of harm during armed conflict and crises, Human Rights Watch said today. © Marcus Bleasdale for Human Rights Watch Hamamatou, a 13-year-old girl who had polio, in front of a Catholic mission where she lived in 2015.
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