SECTORS

Humanitarian action

Humanitarian action and disability are interlinked, as people with disabilities often face heightened risks during crises and conflicts. For every one person killed in a disaster, another three are injured or left with a permanent disability, and many face long-term psychosocial disabilities as a result of trauma. Despite this, people with disabilities are often excluded during humanitarian emergencies, and continue to face difficulties in accessing emergency support and essential services such as food distribution, medical care, shelter and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities.

The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) emphasises the importance of inclusive humanitarian responses that uphold the rights and dignity of all, including people with disabilities. Article 11 of the CRPD specifically addresses situations of risk and humanitarian emergencies, and mandates that States must ensure that people with disabilities access equal protection and safety in situations of risk. and that humanitarian assistance must be accessible. Effective humanitarian action requires the active participation and inclusion of people with disabilities in decision-making processes, ensuring that their specific needs and concerns are addressed.

Resources in this section include evidence and guidance to support inclusive humanitarian action efforts.