Promoting inclusion of People With Disabilities in refugee settings

Original Editor - Pacifique Mizero

Top Contributors - Pacifique Mizero  

Introduction

Referring to World Disability Report of June 2011, over one billion persons with disabilities (PWD) live in the world about 15% of the world’s population, of whom between 110-190 million experiences very significant difficulties. It is estimated that there are 6.7 million PWD among 45.2 million people that are forcibly displaced worldwide as a result of persecution, conflict, generalized violence and human rights violation. In situations of forced displacement, PWDs are more exposed to discrimination, exploitation and violence; and face several barriers to accessing humanitarian assistance. In order to achieve to 2030 sustainable development Agenda assuring to leave no one behind in the global efforts to realize the 17 Sustainable Development Goals which is not limited to refugee settings. The united Nations Higher commission UNHCR ,governmental institutions and other implementing partners have responsibilities to adhere to the principles of inclusion of all population groups, equality, dignity and respect for human rights and insure that all people with disabilities have access to services and activities available like access to livelihood activities, Access to WASH facilities, access to assistive devices.

Inclusion and Access to Livelihood and Financial services

Many research has demonstrated that persons with disabilities and their families are more likely to be exposed to hunger and poverty. Particularly those with severe disabilities that require maximum care and support are facing more poverty than others. There is a need in strengthening the resilience, self-esteem and socio-economic participation based on:

• Increasing the knowledge and skills of  PWD to enable them to earn their own livelihoods and to initiation of income generating activities which in turn will enable them to meet their needs while contributing to the socio-economic growth of their respective communities.

• To advocate them to Remove barriers and obstacles that persons with disabilities face in accessing and fully benefiting from social protection on an equal basis with others.

• Organise different training and workshop to Livelihood partners by explaining barriers experienced by persons with disabilities to access social protection (discrimination, lack of access grant offices, etc.), and their contribution to overcome these barriers.

• Providing financial support and promote PWD to have access to financial services , banks ,…

• Establish a periodic program to evaluate, monitor and assess all social protection programmes settled regarding inclusion and positive impact on the situation of persons with disabilities.

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