Around the world, persons with disabilities represent nearly one in six members of our global human family. Yet far too often, they are denied the right to full social, economic and political participation, leading to policies that exclude them – and even cause them harm.
Persons with disabilities are experts on their own experiences. Societies must empower them to take the lead on issues critical to their health, rights and well-being. Their contributions are critical to the health and prosperity of communities all over the globe.
Addressing the unique barriers to leadership that persons with disabilities face requires lifting up their voices, expanding their access to opportunity, supporting their agency and building networks of solidarity.
Nowhere is the need for the inclusion and leadership of persons with disabilities more important than in humanitarian emergencies and conflicts. Persons with disabilities are among those made most vulnerable in disasters; women and girls face heightened risks due to gender bias and other factors such as age, race and ethnicity.
In times of crisis, rates of exploitation and abuse skyrocket. This puts women and girls with disabilities – already facing disproportionate rates of sexual and gender-based violence – under increased threat.
It is unacceptable for emergency responses to exclude persons with disabilities. Their needs must be prioritized so that everyone has equal access to safety and shelter, information and life-saving services.
Leadership starts with inclusion. This requires counting persons with disabilities as they are and hearing their voices. Collecting disability-disaggregated data demonstrates a commitment to recognizing persons with disabilities and understanding their needs. It also reflects a dedication to ensuring that all individuals can contribute to a more inclusive and equitable future.
Through our We Decide programme, UNFPA expands access to sexual and reproductive health services and information tailored to women and young people with disabilities. We work with them to deliver inclusive services that respect their dignity and rights, helping to empower them to make decisions and live free of discrimination and violence.
“On this International Day for Persons With Disabilities, let us join forces in making it easier for persons with disabilities to share their experiences and knowledge and to influence decisions that impact their lives,” UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem has said. “Let us work together to build societies that are more inclusive – to the benefit of persons with disabilities, and the benefit of us all.”
