Inclusive Humanitarian Response (Gender, Age, and Disability)
Channel: Global Protection Cluster GPC
Date: 2023-04-18

Women, girls, men and boys with or without disabilities are perceived to have strict gender roles. When interacting with their environment, individuals may encounter attitudinal, institutional, physical and communication barriers depending on their gender, age, and disability, as well as other diversity factors – and how they intersect. These barriers prevent them from participation in community life and decision- making. These barriers altogether result in increasing vulnerability factors. While persons with disabilities experiencing a humanitarian crisis are at elevated risk of rights violations due to environmental barriers to safety and life-saving services during times of socio-economic breakdown and suspended or dismantled services. Therefore, the promotion and protection of fundamental rights and safety from social exclusion, discrimination and persecution based on disability status is essential to reducing vulnerability and increasing capacities to cope. In 2022, over 41 million persons with disabilities are expected to need humanitarian assistance.