A/HRC/8/10 page 21 98. Formal and informal education, vocational training and social capacity-building in general have been identified by many former child soldiers or combatants as essential to their long-term well-being,44 and their prioritization should be a guiding principle for the help offered to such people, and their participation in those processes should be fully guaranteed. E. People with disabilities 99. People with disabilities, of either sex and of all ages, and in most parts of the world suffer from a pervasive and disproportionate denial of their right to education.45 In emergencies, however, particularly during conflicts and the post-conflict period, their right to receive special support and care is not always recognized by communities or States. F. Young people and adolescents 100. The education of young people and adolescents has been traditionally disregarded by governments and the international community, since priority is always given to primary education. There are justifications for this emphasis, but the result should not be a total lack of attention to the other levels. 101. However, there are an increasing number of experiments in accessible, realistic, relevant and flexible learning, promoted primarily by international NGOs, that offer youngsters an alternative basic education. These initiatives have largely been ignored by governments and donors, possibly owing to their lack of emphasis on standardization. G. Consultations with children 102. In preparing his report, the Special Rapporteur has been very concerned to consider the direct experiences of boys and girls who have lived though conflict situations. 103. To assist with this, the International Save the Children Alliance organized two meetings, one in Colombia and one in Côte d’Ivoire, during 2007. In Côte d’Ivoire, the Special Rapporteur was invited to meet two separate groups of children aged between 8 and 12, as well as a small group of boys and young adults who had previously lived in military camps. 104. The meetings in Colombia covered three groups, with ages ranging from 6 to 18. 105. Some of the concerns raised by the boys and girls in the two countries were very similar and might be representative of the problems facing States with long-running conflicts. 106. It is evident that conflict has a serious impact on the enjoyment of the right to an education that is free of charge, compulsory, relevant and of good quality, especially for the children living in the affected areas. 44 Así lo comprobó personalmente el Relator Especial en su visita a Côte d’Ivoire, por invitación de la Alianza Internacional Save the Children. 45 Véase A/HRC/4/29.