Human Rights of People with Intellectual Disabilities

678 Words2 Pages

Introduction People with intellectual disabilities have faced discrimination, alienation and stigma for a very long time. History around the world is full of horrid episodes where the intellectual disabled have faced the worst treatments. Though some positive strides have been made in respect to their the rights, even today they face a myriad of challenges and are yet to fully access and exploit opportunities in the society. It is important to note that people with intellectual disability are also human, thus they are entitled to all human rights without any discrimination. They are the most marginalized people in the society and are excluded from social, cultural, educational and economic opportunities. (Nora, E., 2004). This paper looks into the issues of human rights for the intellectually disabled persons, the challenges that they face and how their human rights can be enhanced. Challenges Human rights are individual inherent entitlements or basic freedoms regardless of one’s country of origin, where one lives, his/her sex, color complexion, religious affiliation, language inclination, or any other known status. All human beings are equally entitled to human rights by birth without any discrimination. These rights are inter-related, inter-dependent and cannot be divided. (Cited in United Nations). At childhood the intellectually disabled are discriminated against by people and most people are not comfortable in talking to them. This makes them feel isolated as no one seems to understand them. They do not have access to mainstream services such as schooling and those that are lucky receive education at segregated and isolated classes and or schools.( Cited in Association of Self advocacy & Association of Promoting Inclusio... ... middle of paper ... ...11, from http://www.inclusion-europe.org/documents/HR-FinalReport-EN-web.pdf Nora, E., (2004). Adolescents and youth with disability: issues and challenges. Asia Pacific Disability Rehabilitation Journal. Available at http://www.aifo.it/english/resources/online/apdrj/apdrj204/adolescent.pdf Stanley, S. (2003). The human rights of persons with intellectual disabilities: different but equal. Oxford University Press, USA. Orville, E. (2011). Challenges to the human rights of people with intellectual disabilities. Jessica Kingsley Publishers Stratford, B. (1991) Human rights and equal opportunities for people with mental handicap, with particular reference to Down syndrome. International Journal of Disability, Development and Education United Nations Human Rights. Available at http://www.ohchr.org/en/issues/Pages/WhatareHumanRights.aspx

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