Unlike the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, there is no provision in the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities under which countries may derogate from their obligations in time of public emergency.
Article 11 of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities on Situations of risk and humanitarian emergencies, pays particular attention to the obligation of States parties to undertake “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.” Further more, Article 4.1, states that “States Parties undertake to ensure and promote the full realization of all human rights and fundamental freedoms for all persons with disabilities without discrimination of any kind on the basis of disability” and Article 32, recognizes the importance of international cooperation to address the limited capacities of some States to respond to situations of risk and humanitarian crises. To read more, click here.
Disability, Natural Disasters and Emergency Situations- UN
Disability, Inclusion and Development: Emergencies and Disability- Source, International Information Support Centre
In emergency situations of natural disaster or conflict, people with disabilities are very often excluded or neglected. This is mainly due to the exclusionary policies and practices of governments, service providers and humanitarian actors, attitudinal barriers, and lack of knowledge regarding the specific challenges that people with disabilities face. Additionally, there is a lack of participation by people with disabilities in contingency planning and disaster risk management.
This key list gathers introductory information, manuals and guides, specific resources for mental health and education in emergency situations, and case studies about people with disabilities in emergency situations.
To access the list, click here.
War, Armed Conflict & Disability Challenges, Statistics, Facts, Office of the UN Special Rapporteur on Disability
The Oslo Conference on Disability in Conflicts and Emergencies, “Reaching the most vulnerable”
The conference in Oslo May 2011 explored how states and international organisations may address the inclusion of disabled people in emergency responses in practice.
Persons with disabilities are particularly vulnerable to disasters and crises, both on account of disability and poverty; yet they are often ignored or excluded at all levels of disaster preparedness, mitigation and intervention. More than half a billion people with disabilities live in countries often affected by conflicts and natural disasters. The conference was hosted by the Norwegian disability umbrella organisation, The Atlas Alliance, in cooperation with the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The conference aimed primarily at individuals within Governments, the UN and International NGOs responsible for making disaster risk reduction and emergency response policies and implementation strategies.
Other links from the Oslo Conference on Disability in Conflicts and Emergencies:
Disability in Conflicts and Emergencies – “Reaching the most vulnerable”- IDDC
Oslo Conference on Disability in Conflicts and Emergencies- The Atlas Alliance
Disability in Conflicts and Emergencies, Fact sheet- The Atlas Alliance
