Why Disability Inclusion Must Be Central in Humanitarian and Conflict Response
In a world increasingly defined by global instability, the headlines often overlook the most vulnerable populations caught in the crossfire. In his compelling piece, "Why Disability Inclusion Must Be Central in Humanitarian and Conflict Response," draws from lived experience to expose the life-threatening gaps in current emergency systems.
A young man in a situation of risk
When war breaks out, like what we’ve been witnessing in the Middle East, or when disaster strikes, as Nairobi experienced just a week ago, our news feeds fill with updates on displacement and death tolls.
But within these headlines lies another crisis, one that rarely gets attention. Persons with disabilities are often left struggling to survive, escape, or even access basic aid. In humanitarian crises, they are among the most vulnerable, and the most overlooked.
As conflicts escalate globally, millions of persons with disabilities face life-threatening challenges that humanitarian systems still struggle to address.From my lived experience, I believe this must change. If humanitarian response is to mean anything, disability inclusion cannot sit on the sidelines, it must be at the centre.
Crises disrupt every aspect of life. Homes are destroyed, communities fractured, and millions displaced. Yet for persons with disabilities, the risks are deeper and more complex. These realities are still not fully acknowledged in many response efforts.
Even before crises, barriers already exist, like; limited access to education, barriers in healthcare services, exclusion from employment opportunities, inaccessible public infrastructure.
In emergencies, these challenges don’t just remain, they intensify. Here in Kenya, recent events have exposed clear gaps in preparedness: Evacuation routes are rarely accessible, emergency communication often excludes some disabilities and response systems are not designed with inclusion in mind.
These gaps can quickly turn a difficult situation into a life-threatening one. For persons with psychosocial and intellectual disabilities, like myself, crisis environments bring intense distress.
Uncertainty, disruption, and lack of support make it extremely difficult to navigate displacement or seek help. At the same time, the risks increase significantly. We see higher exposure to violence and neglect, increased vulnerability to exploitation and greater risk of gender-based violence, especially for women and girls with disabilities.
Another reality we often overlook is this, conflict itself creates disability.
In places like Sudan, Syria, and Palestine, many people acquire long-term physical and psychological injuries due to war. In regions with prolonged conflict, entire generations are left with war-related disabilities. That reality is deeply heartbreaking. The psychological impact is just as heavy. Exposure to violence, loss, and displacement changes how people relate to their environments and communities.
Many struggle to return to work or participate fully in society, limiting their independence and dignity.
Because it is not just a moral issue, it is a human rights obligation. Article 11 of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) is clear. Governments must take all necessary measures to ensure the safety and protection of persons with disabilities during armed conflict, humanitarian emergencies and natural disasters. This means inclusion is not optional.
It requires accessible evacuation and response systems, inclusive communication strategies and representation of persons with disabilities in planning and decision-making
It’s important to have in mind that Article 11 exists because of past failures. From earlier conflicts to disasters like the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, persons with disabilities were often left behind during evacuation and response efforts.
Today, the way forward is clear. Governments and humanitarian actors must move beyond promises and take real action. Inclusion must be built into every stage of response, not added as an afterthought. Most importantly, persons with disabilities must be involved in shaping these solutions.
Because no one understands these barriers better than those who live them.
Article by: Emmanuel Brian Mbuthia