Promoting the human rights and full participation of children and adults with disabilities worldwide.
a woman lies on concrete outside, her eyes closed, covered by a thin blanket with her head rested on a plastic bag full of items. Another woman sits next to her with her head hung down resting on her hand.
DRI petition leads to UN condemnation of Mexico institutions. Video shows atrocious abuses and recommended reforms.

Orphanages are no place
for children

Op-Ed for The Washington Post

Latest Updates
  • An official United Nations (UN) Inquiry found “grave and systemic” abuses against children and adults with disabilities in Mexico, segregated from society and subject to violence and abuse. The UN representatives obtained heinous information visiting institutions – psychiatric facilities, orphanages, children’s group homes and other closed institutions. See DRI video showing atrocious abuses and recommendations for reform.

  • Disability Rights International (DRI) recently convened a forum for the Mexican Senate to highlight community-based housing models for people with psychiatric, psychosocial and intellectual disabilities.

    Around the world, DRI has found that many people with disabilities (PWD), and those abandoned on the streets, end up living their lives in institutions. The lack of community support often combines with the misconception that they are unable to have - or do not deserve - a home of their own.

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Investigations

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

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Advocacy

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

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Strategic Litigation

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

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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.