Persons with disability represent 16% of the world’s population, with 80% residing in the Global South. They are disproportionately affected by natural disasters, climate-induced crises, and global health emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic.
RECOGNITION OF DISABILITY INCLUSION IN DISASTER RISK REDUCTION
The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 recognizes persons with disabilities as crucial stakeholders, emphasizing their inclusion in all disaster risk reduction (DRR) policies and practices. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development commits to “leaving no one behind” and ending poverty for all, underscoring the importance of reducing and preventing disaster risk while ensuring inclusion for all.
A STARK REALITY: SLOW PROGRESS IN DISABILITY INCLUSION
However, the Midterm Review of the Implementation of the Sendai Framework reveals a troubling reality: countries are not on track to achieve its objectives by 2030. Disability inclusion remains under-resourced and underprioritized, with limited initiatives in place. Although supportive policies and legislation for disability-inclusive DRR have improved, implementation is slow, often driven by non-state actors with short-term funding. Furthermore, organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) face challenges in participating in DRR due to limited resources and support from other stakeholders.
2023 GLOBAL SURVEY ON PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES AND DISASTERS
To gauge the progress made in disability inclusion in DRR, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) conducted the 2023 Global Survey on Persons with Disabilities and Disasters, building upon the 2013 Global Survey. This survey aimed to assess preparedness, early warning systems, awareness of DRR plans, and participation of persons with disabilities in DRR decision-making.
A MIXED PICTURE
The survey, carried out between January and March 2023, collected 6,342 responses from 132 countries. Unfortunately, the results indicate limited progress in disability inclusion over the past decade, with little variation across regions.
- 84% of persons with disabilities reported not having a personal disaster preparedness plan, a slight improvement from the 2013 survey.
- While adequate early warning helps, 17% would still face difficulties evacuating even with sufficient notice, and 6% would be unable to evacuate independently.
- 56% were unaware of or did not have access to disaster risk information in accessible formats in their communities.
- Awareness of DRR plans remained low, with only 11% being aware of national plans and 14% at the subnational level.
- Only 8% reported that local DRR plans addressed the specific needs of persons with disabilities.
- A significant 86% had no participation in community-level DRR decision-making, but 57% expressed willingness to participate.
- 75% reported the absence of mechanisms to ensure the participation of persons with disabilities in community DRR decision-making, citing accessibility and attitudinal barriers.
- Only 16% noted dedicated leadership roles for disability inclusion in governance structures.
RECOMMENDATIONS
The report offers recommendations to accelerate the implementation of the Sendai Framework by 2030. It urges governments to translate policy commitments into concrete actions for disability-inclusive DRR, aligning with their legal obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and their commitments to the Sendai Framework and Agenda 2030. This includes ensuring preparedness measures, improving access to risk information, and investing in disability-inclusive DRR, while resourcing OPDs. It underscores the necessity of disability-inclusive policies and legislation for effective and diverse DRR efforts. These findings and recommendations contribute to reflections on progress at the midpoint of the 2030 Agenda and the Paris Climate Agreement, highlighting the need for immediate and concerted action.