Promoting the human rights and full participation of children and adults with disabilities worldwide.

Orphanages are no place
for children

Op-Ed for The Washington Post

Young child tied in crib

Investigations

Documenting and reporting on the pervasive and abusive practice of institutionalizing children and adults with disabilities.

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Young boy chewing on shirt

Advocacy

Global campaigns to end institutionalization and empower people with disabilities to make change in their own societies.

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Family carrying casket

Strategic Litigation

To protect victims of abuse and ensure their full inclusion in society through international human rights bodies.

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Latest Updates
  • March 19th, 2024 - The Global Coalition on Deinstitutionalization adopts a Joint Position on the use of large foster care as a form of institutionalization of children. This position concerns the use of large foster care on a broad scale as a matter of public policy and aims to promote an understanding of the right to family life for children that is in line with the UN CRPD and the UN Guidelines on Deinstitutionalization, Including in Emergencies.
  • The International Children with Disabilities Protection Act protects children with disabilities to live and grow up in a family and avoid being placed in an institution or orphanage. It is everything we've fought for over 30 years.

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There are one billion children and adults with disabilities worldwide, most still segregated from society in abusive institutions, living in poverty, or left without educational and economic opportunity.