ABSTRACT
The high prevalence of childhood disability, associated increased risks and lack of accessibility to humanitarian services creates a dire situation of neglect for children with disabilities in conflicts. Humanitarian action often has a direct impact on human rights, particularly in regard to health, education, food, shelter and protection from violence. Humanitarian organizations frequently have neither the overarching mandate, nor the resources or expertise in all specialized services required by the diverse population of children with disabilities. Employment policies can play an effective role in mitigating discrimination and providing role models for children with disabilities. Households with children with disabilities face heightened economic vulnerability. Disabilities may also result from direct participation in hostilities of children recruited into armed groups, as many are severely injured during combat. Childhood disabilities indirectly caused by armed conflict result from the collapse of properly functioning health systems.
