The number of children with disabilities worldwide is estimated at nearly 240 million, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) said on Wednesday.

This new report highlights the extent of deprivation suffered by children with disabilities - one in 10 children in the world - according to several well-being indicators relating in particular to health, education and protection.

"This new study confirms what we already knew: children with disabilities face multiple challenges with often cumulative effects in exercising their rights," said UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore.

“Whether it is access to education or books that those around them could read to them at home, children with disabilities are less often included or heard in almost all of the areas assessed. These children are too often left out, ”she added.

The report includes data from 42 countries and covers more than 60 child well-being indicators. The report clearly highlights the barriers that prevent children with disabilities from fully participating in society and the negative health and social effects that often result.

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