How Implementers Can Work Toward More Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction Policies for Persons With Disabilities in the Pacific

Floods, tsunamis, hurricanes, wildfires, and earthquakes cause panic, devastation, and unrest. For persons with disabilities (PWDs), natural disasters only reinforce their already disadvantaged position in society. They are often the last to evacuate, if they are able, and are at a higher risk of injury and even death. In the Pacific, which is highly vulnerable to natural disasters, these risks are even greater.

The 2018 UN Disability and Development Report found that 72 percent of persons with disabilities were not aware of preparation for natural disaster planning in their communities. Nearly 80 percent would not be able to evacuate quickly in the event of a disaster due to their physical limitations, the built environment around them, and lack of inclusive early warning systems, among other challenges.

One in six individuals globally have a disability, which is the only group anyone can join at any time — a sad truth that reinforces why their inclusion in policy, project design and other disaster risk reduction (DRR) efforts is so critical. What can we do, as implementers, to address this inclusion?

National and international efforts to address challenges

Many national and international efforts have surfaced in the past 15+ years to address these challenges and encourage governments, international implementers, and communities to keep disability considerations in the forefront of all policy and planning. A few of these policies and programs include:

• The U.N. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD 2006) provides a framework and the direction needed to collectively work for a disability inclusive world. Article 11 puts the responsibility of including PWDs needs in disaster reduction efforts with States Parties.
• The Hyogo Framework for Action (2010-2015) is a guide to create international disaster reduction policies. It focused on inclusion of PWDs across sectors, including in disaster reduction investment, safeguard development and to work alongside other stakeholders for sustainable solutions.
• Disability-Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction Network for Asia and the Pacific (DiDRRN, 2014) is a network of organizations for people with disabilities and development organizations focusing on PWDs with a shared to “secure the active participation, and meaningful contribution, of persons with disabilities in DRR policy and practice…disaster risk reduction.”
• Pacific Framework for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2016-2025) was agreed upon by Pacific Island countries to “promote, protect and fulfill the rights of persons with disabilities as set out by the CRPD” throughout the region. The five strategic goals include: inclusive decision-making and creation of disaster risk management measures and policies, livelihoods, mainstreaming, leadership, and enabling environment and evidence.

What can we do as implementers?

• Proactively engage with PWDs and disabled persons organizations in all aspects of the project cycle as appropriate, not wait until the project is designed and the budget finalized.
• Resist lumping PWDs in with “other marginalized groups.” The unique needs of PWDs should be addressed separately or as cross-cutting.
• Understand the context, including PWD data, of local target community(ies). Including PWD data into the contextual understanding of targeted communities/intervention areas gives practitioners a holistic window into the needs of a society as it relates to project objectives. Additionally, PWD data will inform any potential considerations needed to be made in communication, project activity design/facilitation, transportation/understanding the built environment, and accessibility of buildings or other places activities may take place.
• Include at least one disabled person organization into project budget, as appropriate, to be a resource and/or partner and to ensure PWD considerations are adequately addressed within the project scope throughout design and implementation.
• Remember that inclusive development incorporates PWD voices and considerations. This not only supports communities as a whole and strengthens project practices, but also creates more sustainable and resilient communities.

Implementing inclusive DDR work in the Pacific

DT Global has over 50 years of experience working in the Pacific region, often including PWDs in our broader assistance. For instance, through USAID Climate Ready, we provided technical assistance to communities to access funds for accessible early warning systems that enable persons with disabilities to be aware of upcoming or occurring natural disasters. As the early warning systems themselves only solve part of the problem, these proposals for funding also address challenges in the built environment so that it is safe for evacuation, and work with both disabled persons and relevant stakeholders and government entities to build capacity and enhance collaboration in data collection, policies, and planning.

Another recent example is DFAT’s Economic and Social Infrastructure Program (ESIP) in Papua New Guinea, implemented by DT Global. This program advocates for inclusive practices in infrastructure development to ensure that persons with disabilities and other marginalized groups’ needs are considered during the planning stage, and that the infrastructure is safe, targeted, and sustainable.

Beyond these examples, DT Global has provided technical assistance to governments and local organizations to enhance disability mainstreaming and developed inclusive DRR strategies and awareness raising tools and materials. We’ve also supported targeted data collection and analysis to enhance understanding of the needs of PWDs, and supported skills training for PWDs.

Implementers, government actors and communities need specific guidelines and training to support persons with disabilities; accurate data and information on persons with disabilities in their communities and their needs; and raise awareness on the necessity of disability considerations as a cross cutting issue but particularly with disaster risk reduction initiatives. These actions won’t just support PWDs but build lasting positive change to communities as a whole.

When we use community-wide approaches and incorporate persons with disabilities in disaster planning and policy work, we create strong communities and ensure equal access to preparations, notifications (early warning systems), information, and ultimately, resilience.