Promises yet to be fulfilled: Accelerating Disability Inclusion in Disaster Risk Reduction and Humanitarian Action

In recent years, there has been growing global recognition of the need for disability-inclusive disaster risk reduction (DRR) and humanitarian action. The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) has firmly established the rights of persons with disabilities to be included in all aspects of disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. Similarly, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 has been instrumental in advancing commitments toward inclusive DRR, emphasizing the participation of persons with disabilities as key stakeholders in disaster governance. Significant progress has been made, including the integration of disability perspectives in international policies, increased awareness of the disproportionate impact of disasters on persons with disabilities, and the development of inclusive early warning systems and risk reduction strategies.

However, despite these advancements, the implementation of disability-inclusive DRR remains inconsistent and, in many cases, inadequate. The UNDRR 2023 Global Survey on Disability & Disaster and the Sendai Framework Mid-Term Review 2023 highlight persistent gaps in translating policy commitments into concrete action. Persons with disabilities continue to be underrepresented in decision-making processes, and their specific needs are frequently overlooked in disaster preparedness and response efforts. Many early warning systems remain inaccessible, evacuation plans fail to consider diverse disability needs, and post-disaster recovery efforts lack inclusive strategies that ensure equal access to relief, rehabilitation, and rebuilding efforts.

Moreover, data remains a critical barrier to progress. The lack of disability-disaggregated data and inclusive risk assessments hampers efforts to develop targeted interventions that address the unique challenges faced by persons with disabilities before, during, and after disasters. Additionally, while the Sendai Framework encourages multi-stakeholder engagement, the meaningful participation of persons with disabilities and their representative organizations (OPDs) in disaster governance structures is still limited.

This side event seeks to address these ongoing challenges by bringing together diverse stakeholders, including OPDs, humanitarian actors, and policymakers, to share evidence-based insights, discuss best practices, and explore innovative approaches for accelerating disability-inclusive DRR. The session will showcase successful initiatives where disability inclusion has been effectively integrated into DRR and humanitarian response efforts, demonstrating scalable and replicable models that can inform future policies and programs, to serve as a catalyst for change, encouraging governments, humanitarian organizations, and development actors to move beyond policy commitments and take concrete steps toward a more inclusive and resilient future.

Session objectives

The side event aims to raise awareness about key initiatives that support disability inclusion in DRR in different regions across the globe. By sharing latest evidence, practical examples, lessons learned, and stories of inclusive leadership, the session seeks to inspire greater collaboration and action towards building more resilient and inclusive (rural and urban) communities.

• Based on latest academic research, the event will take stock on the (policy) progress but also remaining gaps on disability inclusive DRR across the globe.
• To showcase solution-oriented, practical examples and lessons learned from initiatives from across the globe, especially on inclusive risk mitigation, early warning, inclusive disaster preparedness, and inclusive anticipatory action and facilitating potential replications.
• Share inspiration from the active involvement of persons with different types of disabilities from various geographical contexts in driving innovative initiatives related to disability inclusive and gender-responsive DRR.

Speakers

• Nadia Hadad, European Disability Forum (EDF) (Moderation)
• Daniel Orlando Portillo Funes, Asociación de Sordos para El Desarrollo Integral de la Comunidad Sorda Salvadoreña (ASDICSSA)
• Elisa Ravengai, Federation of Organisation of Disabled in Zimbabwe
• Ioana Creitaru, UNDP
• Laura Vanessa Müller-Schulz, German National Focal Point for the Sendai Framework
• Marcie Roth, World Institute on Disability
• Mikkel Harder, Slum Dwellers International
• Supron Ridisno, Indonesian Blind Association
• Talal Waheed, UNDRR

Join the meeting

Link
Meeting-ID: 644 5252 8177

Kenncode: 750519