“ States Parties shall take, in accordance with their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law, all necessary measures to ensure protection and safety of persons with disabilities in situations of risk, including situations of armed conflict, humanitarian emergencies and the occurrence of natural disasters.”
Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, article 11 (extract)
Handicap & Emergency
Just like anyone else people with disabilities are confronted with emergencies such as armed conflict, natural disasters and extreme hunger.., Especially in situations of extreme hunger and long drought people with disabilities face a high level of food insecurity. The distribution of food is often organized from one central distribution point which is difficult or too far to reach for people with disabilities. In case they succeed in being present at the time of the distribution, carrying or transporting the food home proves an important obstacle. It’s obvious children and adults with disabilities are one of the most vulnerable target groups in times of emergencies.
