Who we work with

International Service works closely with grassroots partner organisations in Latin America, West Africa and the Middle East.

Whilst we work with the most disadvantaged groups, we believe that disabled people, children, and women are most in need of support and solidarity. Our partner organisations work to empower, support and represent these groups.

Working with disabled people

There are about 650 million disabled people in the world. That’s about 10% of the planet’s population. It is estimated that 80% of all people with disabilities live in developing countries where it is often believed that disability is a curse. Disabled people are routinely denied their basic rights to education, free movement, health care, political and voting rights, and employment.

The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities came into force in May 2008. By December 2008, forty-one countries around the world have ratified it and are now legally bound. The Convention re-affirms existing human rights in a way that brings the concerns, entitlements and responsibilities of disabled people to the fore.

Working with women

Many women continue to be denied full access to their rights. Of the estimated 1.3 billion poor people worldwide, 70% are women. Two thirds of people who cannot read or write are women. If society is to fulfil its potential, women need to enjoy the same rights as men. Through our partner organisations we work with both women and men to promote gender equality and the rights of women to a full participation in society.

Working with children

Children have enormous potential. They are exciting, creative, innovative and open to new ideas. Yet, children are some of the most vulnerable people in society. Their potential is often overlooked the world over, and their rights are often ignored or abused.

Alongside our partner organisations we work to promote and defend children’s rights. We also work to give them a voice, and help them fulfil their potential. We lobby governments to stand up to their responsibilities and to put in place the mechanisms that will help children enjoy their rights to the full.