Advocating the Rights of Children (ARC), in partnership with Futtaru Ufaa and Beach Club, held a special event at Hulhumale’ beach to mark this year’s International Day of Disabled Persons.
Over 50 children from Beautiful Eyes Down Syndrome Association, Care Society, Maldives Autism Association (MAA), Maldives Association of Physical Disables (MAPD) and children with hearing impairments participated in with beach and water activities such as banana boat rides, canoe rides and stand-up paddle boarding.
A child-friendly booklet of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), developed by ARC in partnership with UNICEF Maldives was also launched at the event by UNICEF’s Deputy Country Representative, Mr. Paulo Sassarao. The event was also participated by UN Resident Coordinator of Maldives, Ms. Catherine Haswell.
Speaking at the event, ARC’s Executive Committee Member Mr. Muruthala Moosa highlighted the importance of working together to ensure that the abilities of children with disabilities are not overlooked, their capacities are not underestimated and that their needs are not given low priority.
ARC takes this opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to protect and promote the rights of all children across the Maldives.