IDDC

Disasters and violent conflict exacerbate both poverty and disability: people with disabilities are disproportionately affected by disasters and conflicts, and disasters and conflict can result in increased numbers of people with disabilities from both direct and indirect actions. Though there is limited data in this field, evidence suggests that people with disabilities are among the most excluded and marginalised from both immediate interventions and longer term recovery or rehabilitation programmes.

Exclusion on the grounds of disability is a human rights issue. Article 11 of the UN Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights and Dignity of Persons with Disabilities specifically focuses on ‘situations of risk and humanitarian emergencies’, and states:

“States Parties shall take, in accordance with their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law, all necessary measures to ensure the protection and safety of persons with disabilities in situations of risk, including situations of armed conflict, humanitarian emergencies and the occurrence of natural disasters.”

Through the Focal Point on Conflict and Emergencies IDDC members and partners can keep each other informed on this important thematic. People interested in joining the mailing list can contact the IDDC Secretariat here.