The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) renewed its call for action to enhance the protection of children with disabilities, improve their well-being, and create an inclusive environment at an event marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on Friday in Beijing.

On almost every measure, children with disabilities around the globe are being left behind. They are more likely to drop out of school and face a higher risk of violence, neglect, and poverty, according to a research report published by UNICEF last month.

Using data from 42 countries, the publication covers more than 60 indicators of well-being — from nutrition and health to access to water and sanitation, protection from violence and exploitation, and education.

There are 240 million children with disabilities in the world, according to a new estimate given by the report titled "Seen, Counted, Included: Using data to shed light on the well-being of children with disabilities."

Dora Giusti, chief of child protection at UNICEF China, said, "The research confirms that children with disabilities face multiple and often compounding challenges in realizing their rights."

For example, compared with children without disabilities, children with disabilities are 34% more likely to be stunted, 25% less likely to attend early childhood education, and 41% more likely to feel discriminated against, according to the report.

"The report also shows that their experiences are not uniform, but different from country to country, from child to child, and from context to context," Dora Giusti added. 

She called for action to eradicate discrimination, offer inclusive and accessible services, and support family-friendly policies. "This needs to be done with the participation and inclusion of people with disabilities who experience barriers every day."

"Numbers are critical. But we need to hear the voices of children with disabilities and their families," Dora Giusti said, "At the same time, the report relies largely on quantitative data. So, we also need to look at the qualitative investigation that can help us understand the stories behind numbers."

At a symposium held on the same day, participants also discussed the situation of children with disabilities, the implementation of the Marrakesh Treaty, and the building of an accessible environment.

The annual observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on Dec. 3 was proclaimed in 1992 by the United Nations General Assembly resolution 47/3.

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