Rights of Children with Disabilities in International and Slovene Law

Children with disabilities are among the most marginalised people in every society. They face various barriers that limit their ability to function, participate, and enjoy their rights on an equal basis with other children. These barriers include physical, communication, attitudinal, and environmental obstacles, rooted in stigma and discrimination. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities are key international treaties safeguarding the human rights of all children, including those with disabilities. European legal instruments such as the European Social Charter (revised), European Convention on Human Rights, and Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union either explicitly protect or can be interpreted as safeguarding certain rights of persons with disabilities, including those of children with disabilities. Specific rights of children with disabilities are regulated by national legislation. Slovenia has implemented some of the principles of the main international instruments regarding children with disabilities. However, significant improvement in several domains is necessary to achieve genuine implementation of Slovenia’s international legal obligations in this regard.