UNICEF China launched a nationwide campaign on Friday to draw attention to the barriers faced by children with disabilities and promote their greater inclusion in schools, health centers and communities.

The campaign, Childhood, Without Barriers, was launched in partnership with the China Commission for Promotion of Publicity for the Undertakings of Chinese Disabled Persons, under the leadership of the China Disabled Persons' Federation.

According to UNICEF, nearly 240 million children worldwide — at least five million of them in China — live with disabilities. Many children with disabilities in China study in separate special education facilities, while most of the abandoned children living in institutions have disabilities. UNICEF said global evidence shows children with disabilities are more likely to flourish when they live with families and study alongside other children. Stigma and discrimination are the major factors limiting their access to education, healthcare and social participation. The campaign will focus on changing public attitudes and encouraging practical steps to promote inclusion at home, in mainstream schools and in communities.

"Children with disabilities have the same rights as all children: to live, learn, play and participate fully," said Amakobe Sande, UNICEF Representative to China, at the launch event. "And yet, many children with disabilities are excluded from everyday life. We need to remove barriers in our schools, communities and, most importantly, in our attitudes and perceptions."

Zhang Wei, president of the China Commission for Promotion of Publicity for the Undertakings of Chinese Disabled Persons, said the commission will continue to work with UNICEF and other international partners to expand disability prevention and early intervention programs.

"Most importantly, we will listen to the voices of children with disabilities and their families and respond to their needs through more targeted and effective policies and services," Zhang said.

In China, UNICEF is working with the China Disabled Persons' Federation to support early detection of children with disabilities in health centers; with the Ministry of Education to promote inclusive education in mainstream schools; and with the Ministry of Civil Affairs and the China Social Work Academy to strengthen child protection and social services.

Actor and UNICEF Ambassador Chen Kun is supporting the campaign. Earlier this month, he visited Le'an county in Jiangxi province, where UNICEF and the Ministry of Civil Affairs have jointly implemented the Integrated Child Protection Model. Chen met children with disabilities and their caregivers at home and at a local rehabilitation center. He also joined activities with caregivers, children and social workers at a community-based Children's Place.

"I was deeply impressed by the unwavering dedication of the caregivers and social workers," Chen said. "The real needs of children with disabilities and their families are being recognized, allowing services and resources to reach households."

At the launch event, singer, poet and campaign champion Zhou Yunpeng spoke about his experience of living with a visual impairment. "Inclusion is not just a distant goal, it is every small decision we make right now," Zhou said. "The next time you meet a child with a disability, don't just focus on their wheelchair, their cane or their hearing aid. Remember that he or she is just a child with dreams and aspirations."

UNICEF youth representative Zhao Chen said every child, with or without disabilities, deserves equal access to learning, social participation and the chance to fulfill their potential. "While kindness matters, real inclusion requires us to set aside bias, so that everyone can live with mutual respect and participate in society equally," Zhao said.