ABSTRACT
Persons with disabilities are disproportionately affected during natural disasters, conflict and humanitarian emergencies. It is commonly understood that conflicts and disasters perpetuate disability, and that disability increases vulnerability to crisis and emergency situations. Against the backdrop of multiple armed conflicts and humanitarian emergencies and natural disasters, governments, along with the development community, have responded in various ways through taking specific policy measures and new initiatives. Recognizing that persons with disabilities are at greater risk in the face of natural disaster and post-conflict situations, the call to mainstream disability in disaster preparedness and emergency management is becoming essential. The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) specifically addresses the rights of persons with disabilities in situations of risk and humanitarian emergencies. In the context of ongoing discussions on the post-2015 UN development agenda, United Nations entities are intensifying efforts to ensure that a resultant framework is inclusive of the disability perspective.
