Human Rights Watch (HRW) has issued a new report in which it finds that nearly 30 percent of all children with disabilities in Russia live in state orphanages where they face violence, neglect, and isolation. The New York-based rights watchdog says that many children are needlessly removed from their families, convinced by doctors that they are incapable of adequately caring for their offspring. (Captions by HRW)
HRW Says Disabled Children In Russia Face Violence, Isolation, Neglect
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Roman K., 18, (left) and Lyuba P., 15, in a "lying-down" ward of an orphanage for children with disabilities in northwest Russia. Roman K. was awaiting transfer to an institution for adults with disabilities. A pediatrician specializing in the health of children with disabilities told Human Rights Watch that, based on photographs, both Roman K. and Lyuba P. appeared significantly underdeveloped for their ages, a possible result of lack of adequate nutrition, stimulation, and health care.
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Sveta L., a 13-year-old girl in her crib in a "lying-down" room of an orphanage for children with disabilities in northwest Russia.
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Children in a specialized orphanage for young children with disabilities in central Russia.
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Children in specialized orphanages for young children in central Russia often spend their days with little or no attention from staff.
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Nikita P., a 10-year-old boy, in his crib in a Sverdlovsk region orphanage for children with developmental disabilities.
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A group of girls, ages 10 to 15, in an orphanage for children with disabilities in northwest Russia.
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A boy writhes on the floor of a state orphanage for children with disabilities in the Sverdlovsk region.