The limitations imposed on the educational rights of the children with disabilities in basic education schools became increasingly evident under the rule of the Military Council, according to individuals assisting those children.
The denial of education, a fundamental right for children with disabilities, exemplifies the grave violation of human rights that transpired under the rule of the Military Council.
During the enrollment of children with disabilities, certain schools have declined admission while others have requested additional fees to accommodate these children. U Zaw Lin Tun, the chairman of the Myanmar Coordination Committee for Equal Rights of People with Disabilities (MCERP), highlighted the challenges faced by these children in accessing education amidst the ongoing political uncertainty.
"In the education sector, we have observed that some teachers who remain in schools under the Military Council exhibit unethical behavior and lack compassion. They refuse to enroll children with disabilities or extort money from their parents to compromise. Among these children, those with mental health issues face even greater difficulties in accessing education. It is crucial to provide them with proper medication, timely exercise, and special attention from teachers. In fact, learning poses numerous challenges for children who struggle with basic movements”, he said.
He also expresses concern about the adverse consequences faced by children with disabilities who are denied access to education. Without the opportunity to learn, their knowledge and skill development may be hindered, leading to a long-term dependence on others and potentially unfavorable circumstances.
"In a rather disheartening incident, a school rejected the enrollment of a disabled child, providing various excuses for their refusal. Despite our persistent efforts to persuade them, the school reluctantly agreed to admit the child but insisted that we submit a petition. However, we chose not to comply with their demand, as it seems unjustifiable to have to petition for the fundamental rights of every child”, another individual helping the disabled children said.
In the basic education schools under the Military Council, there is a growing trend of discrimination against children with disabilities, leading to heightened distress and trauma for these vulnerable children, he added.
"From the very start, children with disabilities have faced significant obstacles in accessing education. If they turn to vocational education due to exclusion from mainstream schooling, the challenges become even greater. Their physical limitations from the beginning make it unsuitable for them to pursue such vocational courses, resulting in diminished employment prospects and a dependence on others in the future. This situation should never occur. It is imperative to address the reality that children with disabilities are deprived of nearly all opportunities for both school learning and vocational education”, he told Than Lwin Times.
Even children with disabilities residing in urban areas encounter difficulties in accessing education, while those in rural areas have extremely limited or no opportunities for education at all.
Following the military coup, the basic rights of children with disabilities, including education, healthcare, and employment opportunities, have significantly declined, exacerbating their struggles for survival.
Under the National League for Democracy (NLD) government, initiatives were implemented to support children with disabilities, including the introduction of monthly stipends and opportunities for disabled teachers to pursue studies abroad.
Based on the 2019 census, approximately 12.8 percent of the country's population is reported to have disabilities. Moreover, due to the post-coup conflicts, which resulted in numerous individuals losing their limbs, experts assisting people with disabilities anticipate a rise in the overall number of disabled individuals.
