Shafallah Forum
“In all wars and disasters, it is persons with disabilities that are first to die; persons with disabilities that are first to get disease and infection; and it is persons with disabilities who are the last to get resources and medicines when they are handed out. They are treated as the bottom of the pile”
For millions in the world–in refugee camps, in war zones, in the path of natural disaster–disability is not solely a developmental phenomenon.
Across the world and throughout time, conflict leaves in its wake destruction, death and disability. While science and medicine have rushed to keep pace with man’s ability to kill and maim, those left disabled by conflict—whether they were participants or innocents—are living symbols of the futility of such violence. To paraphrase Mahatma Gandhi, war disables all the world.
From Iraq and the Palestinian refugee Camps to Africa, wars and conflicts are swelling the ranks of the disabled. And when wars are over, the violence often doesn’t end. Refugee camps are filled with the disabled, who are often overlooked and have limited access to aid and services. Countless landmines from conflicts fought long ago are still taking limbs and lives of innocents today, often in poor countries with limited resources.
Disabled people are also among the most vulnerable populations when natural disasters strike. From the earthquake and tsunami in Japan to the plight of the disabled in Pakistan following last year’s flooding and Hurricane Katrina, a tragic number of people experience paralysis, head injury, amputations and other traumatic injury due to these calamities.
The disabled, already among the most marginalized populations in society, are often the forgotten ones during emergency relief, recovery and reconstruction efforts. According to emergency management statistics, when natural disasters strike the disabled die in far higher percentages of the population than other people and have far fewer resources and access to help in refugee camps and in post-disaster environments.
In the case of Katrina in New Orleans, disabled people were left behind in the evacuation of buildings. Environmental barriers – such as destroyed roads and blocked passages – create a greater obstacle to those with mobility issues. For disabled people living in emergency shelters, sanitary latrine arrangements may be inaccessible. And where food aid is distributed in refugee camps, disabled people are often at the back of the queue and many go hungry.
The 5th International Shafallah Forum will highlight aspects of humanitarian crises from preparedness to response to recovery and rebuilding for persons with disabilities. It will also document the condition of the disabled in refugee camps and conflict zones. Under Article 11 (Situations of Risk and Humanitarian Emergencies) of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, countries party to the Convention and the international community must take all necessary measures to ensure the protection and safety of persons with disabilities during situations of armed conflict, humanitarian emergencies, and natural disasters.
Among the Forum’s centerpieces will be a unique gathering of First Ladies, celebrity supporters, investors, and disaster planners/humanitarian relief organizations who can discuss and showcase the latest developments in inclusive emergency planning and their centrality to responding to and mitigating harm from emergency situations.
I. Disaster Preparedness
“UNCRPD”, how do the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the international community ensure the protection and safety of persons with disabilities during situations of armed conflict, humanitarian emergencies, and natural disasters?
“Inclusive Policies and Legislation”, how can national laws, policies, and regulations provide guidance, methods and strategies to integrate and coordinate emergency management inclusive of persons with disabilities?
“Personal Preparedness”, what should persons with disabilities know to be prepared for emergency situations? What lessons have we learned from past experiences?
II. Emergency Response
“Emergency Response”, what are the current shortfalls (physical and cultural) that put persons with disabilities at risk during emergencies; and what can we do to improve the situation (new technologies and disaster planning)?
“Refugee Camps”, how does disability affect people’s experiences as refugees and other displaced persons; what programs and best practices are in place to protect and promote the rights of persons with disabilities during their period of displacement?
III. Recovery and Rebuilding
“Rebuilding”, how must persons with disabilities be factored in to the resettlement and rebuilding process; does an opportunity for ensuring universal access exist in the rebuilding process?
“Recovery”, featuring real-life experiences of persons with disabilities before and after disaster, how does one return to work and home; does an opportunity exist for ending the stigma associated with disability?
