Human Rights Group Criticizes Romania's Treatment of Disabled Children

A US-based human rights group is accusing Romaniainvestigation into care facilities for the disabled. The
of subjecting children with disabilities to intolerabledirector of the human rights group is calling on
conditions in state-run facilities.Romania and the EU to stop treatment he says
In a report released Wednesday, advocacy groupviolates international human rights law.
Mental Disability Rights International says disabledThe report's release comes as Romania seeks to join
children are being neglected in adult facilities.the European Union.
The group says an 18-month investigation foundRomanian officials say the nation has made major
emaciated teenagers, disabled children covered inreforms in children's care since the system's failures
sores and filth and restrained by bedsheets, andwere exposed after the fall of dictator Nicolae
infants confined to cribs without any physical contact.Ceausescu's regime in 1989.
Romanian officials have confirmed some of theSome information for this report was provided by
allegations, but deny the abuses are widespread.AFP, AP and Reuters.
Prime Minister Calin Popescu Tariceanu has ordered an