• Image of people standing in lines in an open field © CBM/Ackermann

Inclusive Humanitarian Action

During sudden and ongoing crises, persons with disabilities face greater challenges. CBM works with partners to implement disability-inclusive humanitarian responses to support those affected by crises and advocates for inclusive action within the humanitarian community.

© CBM
Full of worry, Ranantuna holds her son in her arms. A period of drought has completely destroyed her harvest. CBM provides emergency support in such times of crisis.

Humanitarian crises are becoming more frequent, complex, and impactful. Rapid urbanisation and climate change are likely to increase the frequency and severity of disasters and heighten vulnerabilities.

Crises are lasting longer, and in 2024, an estimated 300 million people will need humanitarian assistance. Conflict remains a primary contributor to humanitarian needs, with a complex dynamic between poverty, vulnerability, and environmental fragility affecting significant numbers of people. Approximately 700 million people live in extreme poverty, with a significant portion residing in fragile and conflict-affected countries. The World Bank estimates that about 10% of the global population, live in such contexts.

Persons with disabilities make up 16% of the global population, with 80 per cent living in the Global South. In 2023, of approximately 117.3 million forcibly displaced people, more than 17 million were estimated to be persons with disabilities. By 2050, it is estimated that 30 million of the 200 million people displaced by climatic events will be persons with disabilities. A large proportion of any disaster-affected population consists of persons living with disabilities, who face amplified barriers during crises.

Facts about persons with disabilities in crisis situations

  • 1.35 bn children live in conflict-affected countries and are more vulnerable to disabilities due to disease and malnutrition

  • 79% of all persons with disabilities would have great difficulty being evacuated immediately in the event of sudden disasters

  • 4X Persons with disabilities are up to 4 times more likely to be injured or die in crises

Inclusive Humanitarian Action by CBM

CBM strongly supports the localisation of humanitarian aid. Our humanitarian programmes cooperate with local partner organisations, with technical and administrative support from CBM’s country offices. Furthermore, we collaborate with international humanitarian organisations to make their responses inclusive of persons with disabilities.

Engaging with global humanitarian networks

Inclusive humanitarian action saves lives and is therefore an indispensable part of our work!

Oliver Wiegers, CBM humanitarian technical advisor

CBM’s humanitarian work is based on the four humanitarian principles: humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence. These principles ensure that all crisis affected populations receive humanitarian assistance without discrimination, including at-risk groups, remain free from political control, coordinated with other humanitarian agencies, are accountable to affected communities, and integrate environmental considerations.

 

CBM engages with international organisations, key humanitarian donors, international NGOs, and Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs). Our active involvement in global networks, conferences, and partnerships enhances the credibility and impact of our advocacy efforts.

Key Partnerships and Initiatives

  • International Disability Alliance (IDA)
  • European Disability Forum (EDF)
  • Humanity & Inclusion (HI)
  • International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)

These partnerships are instrumental in advancing inclusive policies, enhancing accessibility standards, and ensuring the needs of persons with disabilities are integrated into all aspects of humanitarian response.

Highlighted Engagements

  • IHSA Conference on Humanitarian Studies 2023: CBM presented evidence from its work and facilitated a panel on ‘Disability Inclusion in Humanitarian Crises’ with the Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict (IFHV).
  • Disability Reference Group (DRG): In 2019, the DRG was established to promote coordination among UN agencies, international NGOs, and OPDs following the endorsement of the IASC Guidelines on Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Humanitarian Action. CBM has been actively involved, contributing to initiatives such as developing open-source training modules and compiling promising practices.

Commitment to Quality and Accountability

  • Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS) Alliance: As a member of this global network, CBM promotes principled and accountable humanitarian action. We conducted a self-assessment in 2018 and plan another in 2024 to continuously enhance our humanitarian work and accountability.

Anticipatory Action and Disability Inclusion

  • Anticipation Hub: CBM, joined in 2022, supports the mainstreaming of disability inclusion in humanitarian action. Hosted by the German Red Cross, IFRC, and the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre, the Hub facilitates knowledge exchange, learning, and advocacy, including involvement in the 'Protection, Gender, and Inclusion Working Group' and the publication on the 'Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Anticipatory Action'.

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