"Do It Today! Says Commissioner" ("Say Yes That Is")

Two children suffering from cerebral palsy were the subject of a plea at Parliament Buildings by Children’s Commissioner Roger McClay today.

"I wonder what article 23 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child means to little nine year old Jasmine?" he asked the UNICEF New Zealand Say Yes to Children Forum.

"She has cerebral palsy, epilepsy and scoliosis of the spine and her mother was recently told that Jasmine would be collecting her retirement before she has surgery," said Roger McClay.

Mr McClay also spoke about a three year old who has been refused an ear operation. "He has cerebral palsy too."

"These children think article 23 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child is a sick joke and who can blame them," he said.

Article 23 says that a child with disabilities has the right to special care, education and training to help him or her enjoy a full and decent life in dignity and achieve the greatest degree of self-reliance and social integration possible.

Mr McClay indicated that he and his staff would today be endeavouring to find someone to "say yes" to these children.

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