Children with disabilities
Every child has the right to live in an inclusive world
Challenge
Children with disabilities in Lesotho continue to face systemic exclusion, stigma, and limited access to essential services. Only 42 per cent of children with disabilities are enrolled in school, due to physical inaccessibility, lack of inclusive teaching practices, and insufficient assistive devices. Social norms and misconceptions further isolate these children, often resulting in their invisibility within households and communities.
Health services are not adequately equipped or trained to identify and respond to disability-related needs early. There is also a shortage of professionals with skills in inclusive education, sign language, and rehabilitative care. Community-based support systems are underdeveloped, and there is limited data on the prevalence and needs of children with disabilities, making it difficult to plan and deliver targeted interventions. Children with disabilities—especially girls—are at higher risk of abuse, neglect, and discrimination, both in the home and in public spaces.
Solution
UNICEF advocates for the full inclusion of children with disabilities across all sectors by supporting disability-inclusive policy implementation, strengthening systems, and fostering inclusive attitudes. This includes building the capacity of teachers, health workers, and social service providers to deliver accessible and quality services that respond to diverse needs. UNICEF supports the early identification and referral of disabilities, provision of assistive devices, and development of inclusive education and health infrastructure.
Through its cross-sectoral programming, UNICEF promotes inclusive WASH facilities in schools and communities, and ensures disability considerations are embedded in data systems, budgets, and monitoring frameworks. Community engagement and social behaviour change initiatives are used to reduce stigma and discrimination, empowering families and communities to support the rights and development of children with disabilities.
UNICEF also partners with organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) and children themselves to amplify voices, improve representation, and co-create solutions that ensure every child, regardless of ability, can learn, grow, and participate fully in society.