CRC/C/RWA/CO/3-4
(c)
Ensure strict transparency and follow-up control mechanisms with
regard to international adoption and ensure regular follow-up of the conditions of
adopted children; and
(d)
Provide detailed information and disaggregated data on domestic and
international adoptions in its next periodic report.
G.
Disability, basic health and welfare (arts. 6, 18 (para. 3), 23, 24, 26, 27
(paras. 1-3) of the Convention)
Children with disabilities
43.
The Committee notes that the State party is revising the 2007 Special Needs
Education Policy. However, the Committee is deeply concerned that children with
disabilities lack access to inclusive education, adequate health care and social protection
measures and are often discriminated against due to cultural stigma and superstition. In
particular, the Committee is concerned that:
(a)
Children with disabilities mostly attend special schools in the urban areas;
(b)
The Special Needs Education Policy lacks the necessary resources and a
strategic plan; consequently schools and institutions do not have adequate capacities to
meet the needs of children with disabilities, including trained professionals and essential
facilities for therapy and education for children with mental disabilities;
(c)
The National Council of Persons with Disabilities (NCPD), established in
2011, lacks a designated division focusing on children with disabilities and lacks adequate
capacities; and
(d)
Article 42 of Law No. 54/2011 contradicts the right of children with
disabilities to live and play an active part in the community on an equal basis, as guaranteed
under the Convention since this law stipulates that children with physical and mental
disabilities “shall be placed in special institutions for care and medical treatment”, without
specifying a time limit for such placement.
44.
In the light of article 23 of the Convention and of its general comment No. 9
(2006) on the rights of children with disabilities, the Committee urges the State party
to:
(a)
Ensure that children with disabilities have equal access to adequate
social and health services, including psychological support, counselling services,
parental guidance for families of children with disabilities, and tailored services for
children with mental disabilities and behavioural disorders, and raise awareness of all
services available. Furthermore, measures should be taken to ensure accessibility to
buildings and installations;
(b)
Undertake intensive public enlightenment campaigns in cooperation
with NGOs, to challenge cultural norms and abandon superstitious beliefs
surrounding children with disabilities;
(c)
Increase budget allocations, including for the implementation of the 2007
Special Needs Education Policy with a view to achieving inclusive education as far as
possible for all Rwandan children concerned, and the elimination of all barriers that
lead to educational disparities for children with disabilities;
(d)
Finalize the revision of the 2007 Special Needs Education Policy in
collaboration with other stakeholders, detailing implementation strategies, activities
11