Segregation of children worldwide: the human rights imperative to end institutionalization

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to emphasize the human rights imperative to end the segregation of children in orphanages and other residential institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on international human rights standards under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and other treaties, as well as documentation gathered by Disability Rights International (DRI) over the past 20 years.

Findings

DRI has found that institutionalization of children exposes them to high risk of physical, sexual and emotional abuse. Even clean and well-staffed orphanages are psychologically damaging. Well intentioned but misguided donors often perpetuate institutionalization by investing in the building or rebuilding of institutions instead of investing in community-based alternatives.

Originality/value

Through the Worldwide Campaign to End the Institutionalization of Children, DRI is calling for a moratorium on all new placements of children in orphanages. No new institutions should be built. Research shows that children thrive in a family or family-like environment, and all children are capable of being supported to live in the community.

Citation

Rosenthal, E. and Ahern, L. (2013), "Segregation of children worldwide: the human rights imperative to end institutionalization", Journal of Public Mental Health, Vol. 12 No. 4, pp. 193-200. https://doi.org/10.1108/JPMH-07-2013-0051