Girl With Down Syndrome in Danger

Last updated on: August 21, 2012 at 10:22 am by Amy Julia Becker

Girl With Down Syndrome in Danger 2012-08-21T10:22:09-04:00 Amy Julia Becker

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We moved yesterday, so I don’t have much time to write, but I wanted to urge you all to pray. A young girl who is reported to have Down syndrome has been arrested in Pakistan for allegedly burning pages of the Koran. Here is the email I received from the National Down Syndrome Society:

Down Syndrome Organizations Express Concern
Over Reports of Jailed Pakistani Girl

Washington, D.C. (Aug. 21, 2012) — The Global Down Syndrome Foundation, the National Down Syndrome Congress, theNational Down Syndrome Society, Down Syndrome Education International and the International Down Syndrome Coalitionhave joined together in shared concern over the fate of Rifta Masih, a young Pakistani girl reported to have Down syndrome who allegedly was jailed and faces life-threatening implications.

People with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities are a vulnerable population. Although early intervention and inclusion in some nations has meant great gains for many, there are still people with intellectual disabilities who have difficulty processing information or fully understanding the consequences of their actions.

We hope and expect that people from all countries and cultures, including those in the United States, will take this into account in terms of how people with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities are handled in police- and security-related matters. We strongly encourage the Pakistani police to ensure the young girl’s safety and to allow family members and others who are known and trusted by the girl to stay with her to the extent that detention is necessary for her own protection.

It is very difficult for most people with intellectual disabilities to be taken out of their routine, and sometimes this may trigger agitated and uncontrollable behavior. We hope that this young girl will be able to return to the routine where she is safe and happy. We join others in urging restraint and compassion in this situation.

Please pray for Rifta and her family and all the vulnerable ones out there–for safety and grace and that she would come home soon without harm.

Down Syndrome

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