The vast majority of children with disabilities in Sudan are out of school. Despite several advances in Sudan in recent years, demonstrated through the ratifying of the United Nationals Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the development of national strategies and passing of legislation, the rights of children with disabilities continue to be compromised as opportunities for them to participate in society and be included with their peers at school are limited at best. Reasons behind these issues include negative social norms and social pressures, lack of accessible and welcoming schools and health facilities, and lack of trained and skilled professionals including teachers and health workers.
Through joint coordination and implementation, the three agencies – the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) will employ a comprehensive approach to reaching children with disabilities through engaging with government line ministries, the National Council for Persons with Disabilities, and national Disabled Peoples’ Organizations (DPOs) to improve the environment for children with disabilities in schools and promote healthy, inclusive access to education in Sudan.