Humanity & Inclusion has released a new advocacy factsheet entitled: “Funding Cuts Turn Inequalities into Permanent Exclusion” – a regional OPD from Sub-Saharan Africa. Evidence from organisations of persons with disabilities on the human and organisational impacts of cuts to international aid.
This publication compiles testimonies and experiences from organisations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) around the world, providing solid evidence of how reduced aid budgets affect both inclusive services for persons with disabilities and organisations that work tirelessly to defend their rights.
This factsheet is based on a global online survey launched in April, in which OPDs were invited to share the impact of budget cuts on their organisations and the communities they serve. The response was remarkable: 177 OPDs from more than 35 countries shared their insights, revealing a surprisingly consistent picture across regions and contexts.
What we heard
- 82% of OPDs report a high or very high negative impact on the well-being of persons with disabilities in their communities, a direct consequence of funding cuts.
- 79% of OPDs have experienced severe or very severe budget cuts affecting their operational capacity over the past 18 months.
- 72% have had to suspend or cancel programs and services.
- 43% rate their ability to continue their mission as low or very low, while 14% fear permanent closure if the current trend continues.
Behind these figures lie real people, real communities, and real consequences. Cuts to funding for development and humanitarian aid are not mere financial adjustments; they directly affect access to healthcare, education, livelihoods, protection, and other essential services for those already facing systemic barriers.
“Cuts in international aid deepen the exclusion of persons with disabilities by paralyzing essential autonomy programs and technical services that the State does not cover. This lack of financing makes us socially invisible and condemns us to greater dependence, violating our fundamental right to a dignified and productive life.” – A national self-advocacy OPD, Dominican Republic
In the face of these challenges, the collective message from OPDs is clear: progress on the rights of persons with disabilities must not be undermined. The inclusion of persons with disabilities must not fall victim to aid budget cuts.
A Call to Action
In addition to data and quotes, this factsheet presents the recommendations formulated by OPDs themselves. Their main call is simple and crucial: to protect and preserve funding for the inclusion of people with disabilities, ensuring that no one is left behind, even as official development assistance (ODA) declines.
Through this publication, HI highlights the accountability of institutional donors and financial partners to consider the human consequences of aid cuts. It also underscores their essential role in supporting the implementation of the UNCRPD and strengthening the ecosystem of organisations of persons with disabilities and civil society organisations that work every day alongside people with disabilities to advance their rights and inclusion.
The factsheet is available in English and will soon be translated into French, Spanish and Arabic. We will also produce an easy read version.
Here is the link to the publication: https://www.hi.org/sn_uploads/document/factsheet_aid_cuts_impacts_on_disability_inclusion.pdf