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Inequality and Exclusion: Challenges Faced By Persons with Disabilities in Emergencies
Persons with disabilities constitute one of the most marginalized and vulnerable social groups in humanitarian crises. They often face extreme difficulties when attempting to flee or evacuate during an emergency, and may be left behind by family or community members who are unable to assist them. As a result, they run a greater risk of injury or death (box 1).
During the response phase, persons with disabilities have limited access to assistance and services. Schools and child-friendly spaces are often inaccessible, and teachers may lack the training and materials to address the needs of pupils with disabilities. Significant disruptions in the health sector may deprive persons with disabilities of access to even the most basic health care. Rehabilitation facilities and services, which are important for enabling participation of persons with disabilities, may be damaged or destroyed during an emergency, leaving them inaccessible, unaffordable or non-existent.[1]
Box 1. Facts and figures on persons with disabilities in emergencies
- According to a United Nations global survey, only 20 per cent of persons with disabilities could evacuate immediately and without difficulty in the event of a sudden disaster.
- Recent data from Japan indicates that the death rate of persons with disabilities in disasters is two to four times higher than for persons without disabilities.
- Disability tends to be much more prevalent among older persons – a study of Syrian refugees in Lebanon and Jordan found that two-thirds of older persons had at least one type of impairment.
- A survey of Syrian refugees in northern Iraq found that 99 per cent of households with family members with disabilities reported difficulties in accessing essential services.
- In Syria, a recent study found that 88 per cent of internally displaced persons with new injuries related to the crisis did not have satisfactory access to rehabilitation services.
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Sources: UNISDR, 2013, p. 1; Sendai Statement, 2014, p. 2; HelpAge International and Handicap International, 2014, p. 6; UNHCR and REACH, 2014, p. 14; and Handicap International, 2014, p. 2.
Humanitarian crises also lead to increased protection concerns for persons with disabilities. The breakdown of social cohesion and traditional community structures puts such persons – especially in the case of women, girls and persons with intellectual impairments – at greater risk of abuse and violence. Recent research on Somali and Syrian refugees has revealed that, without proper guidance and support, families sometimes resort to harmful coping strategies, including the use of physical and medical restraints on children with intellectual impairments.[2] Moreover, due to social isolation and in the absence of specialized protection services, persons with disabilities often lack access to channels through which to seek help or report abuse.
These challenges in emergency situations also heighten the vulnerability of families and communities. The cost of specialized treatment and assistive devices can be especially onerous for families, many of whom may have already lost their belongings and livelihoods. Children (especially girls) with parents or siblings with disabilities are more likely to be removed from school in order to work or perform household tasks, a trend that reverses development gains and has negative consequences for the whole community. Research shows that, following the 2005 earthquake in Pakistan, many girls whose mothers were left with permanently disabilities in the disaster had to remain at home to take over care-giving responsibilities.[3]
The lack of data on persons with disabilities contributes greatly to their exclusion in emergencies. Data collection during an emergency is often impeded by such problems as limited humanitarian access and dynamic population movements, and baseline data may be unreliable or out of date (box 2). Without accurate, detailed and updated data, decision-makers may well underestimate the number and needs of persons with disabilities, thereby significantly increasing the risk of their exclusion from response and recovery measures.
Equally alarming is the fact that persons with disabilities generally are not consulted or involved in emergency management processes.[4] This represents a missed opportunity to benefit from their knowledge, skills and capacities, exacerbates their exclusion and increases the likelihood that their needs will be overlooked in emergency efforts.
Box 2. Baseline data on disability in the Arab region
Baseline disability data collected before a crisis can be critical in ensuring the inclusion of persons with disabilities in emergency responses.However, reliable and updated data on disability is limited in the Arab region. This is one of the main findings of “Disability in the Arab Region: An Overview”, the first compilation of baseline disability statistics and information for all 22 Arab States, which was published recently by the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) and the League of Arab States.
It is important for Arab Governments to improve cooperation and strengthen capacities in order to address gaps in their national evidence base on disability. This includes the collection of in-depth disability data at the local level, which should be undertaken in close cooperation with relevant actors, such as local authorities and organizations of persons with disabilities. Such efforts will increase the likelihood that the needs and concerns of persons with disabilities will be more accurately measured and addressed in emergencies.
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Source: ESCWA and League of Arab States, 2014.