Minimum Standards Developed for Engaging Children with Disabilities

Government Reaffirms Commitment to Children with Disabilities

04 December 2024
Her Excellency, Mrs. Melissa Santokhi Seenacherry, First Lady of Suriname poses with participants at the Disability Awareness and Inclusion conference hosted by the Presidential Monitoring Team for Persons with Disability in partnership with UNICEF
UNICEFGuyanaSuriname/CStoll
Her Excellency, Mrs. Melissa Santokhi Seenacherry, First Lady of Suriname poses with participants at the Disability Awareness and Inclusion conference hosted by the Presidential Monitoring Team for Persons with Disability in partnership with UNICEF

Paramaribo, Suriname, December 3, 2024: In continued efforts to promote the rights and inclusion of individuals with disabilities, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Public Housing, with support from UNICEF, developed and presented the Minimum Standards for Engaging Children with Disabilities in Suriname. The presentation took place at the Ballroom of the Torarica Hotel, Paramaribo.

The document outlines the principles and expectations for all individuals engaging with children and adolescents with disabilities, with the goal of ensuring consistent respect for their rights, dignity, and well-being. It aligns with the foundational principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

In observance of the International Day of People with Disabilities, the Presidential Monitoring Team for Persons with Disabilities, in partnership with UNICEF, hosted a one-day Disability Awareness and Realization Conference. Over 140 key stakeholders, including children with disabilities, attended the event. A copy of the Minimum Standards was also handed over to Her Excellency Melissa Santokhi Seenacherry, First Lady of Suriname and His Excellency Steven Mac Andrew, Minister of Labor, Employment, and Youth Affairs.

During her remarks, the First Lady highlighted the progress Suriname has made in disability awareness and inclusion. However, she emphasized that more work is needed.

Participants at the Disability Awareness and Inclusion conference during group discussions.
UNICEFGuyanaSuriname/CStoll
Participants at the Disability Awareness and Inclusion conference during group discussions.

“Moving forward, we will continue to advocate for inclusive education, greater accessibility in public spaces, and equal employment opportunities for all persons with disabilities. We will invest in awareness campaigns that highlight the strengths and capabilities of persons with disabilities, shifting societal perceptions and creating an environment where everyone, regardless of their abilities, can contribute to the growth and development of our nation,” she stated.

To break down the barriers that hinder participation and create a future where every individual is respected, valued, and empowered, Mrs. Seenacherry urged stakeholders to continue collaborating, affirming that the Government of Suriname is committed to ensuring an inclusive society for all.

“I reaffirm the Government’s commitment to building a society that celebrates diversity, fosters inclusion, and ensures that the rights and dignity of all persons are upheld,” she added.

Ministers Andrew and Ori also recognized the need for policy reforms to ensure an inclusive society for all individuals.

Mr. Nicolas Pron, Area Representative of UNICEF Guyana and Suriname also attended the event and commended the government and stakeholders for their progress in promoting greater inclusion for persons and children with disabilities in Suriname.

While acknowledging the strides made, Mr. Pron noted that significant challenges persist. “Children with disabilities still face stigma and discrimination, limited access to quality education, healthcare, and social services, as well as fewer opportunities for employment and participation in civic life,” he said.

He added, “This is why UNICEF and the Government of Suriname have developed the Minimum Standards for Engaging Children with Disabilities and are currently conducting a Situation Analysis on Children with Disabilities.”

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Members of UNICEF and the Presidential Commission team for Persons with Disabilities
UNICEFGuyanaSuriname/CStoll
Members of UNICEF and the Presidential Commission team for Persons with Disabilities participate during conference on Minimum Standards for engaging children with disabilities

The one-day conference featured presentations on the Minimum Standards document by Mr. Michael Gillis, Social Policy Specialist at UNICEF Guyana and Suriname, and key findings from the Situation Analysis on Children and Adolescents with Disabilities in Suriname by Dr. Rosita Sobhie. The event also fostered group discussions among key stakeholders, including persons with disabilities.

This year, the International Day of People with Disabilities is being celebrated under the theme: “Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future.”

In 2007, Suriname signed the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), which was ratified by the Government in 2017. The CRPD emphasizes the importance of protecting the rights of individuals with disabilities and promoting their full inclusion in society. Implementing the Minimum Standards for Engaging Children with Disabilities is a critical step in ensuring that the rights, dignity, and well-being of these individuals are respected, in accordance with the principles outlined in the CRPD.

Media contacts

Crystal Tamika Stoll
Communications Officer
UNICEF Guyana and Suriname
Tel: 592-703-9769

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