New Learning Papers Highlight Progress and Challenges in Disability-Inclusive Humanitarian Action

The Disability Reference Group (DRG) has recently published two learning papers on the promotion of disability-inclusive humanitarian action and the involvement of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs). These papers, developed with the support of the Leave no one behind! project, provide valuable insights for decision-makers, humanitarian actors, and OPDs.

Promoting Disability Inclusion in Humanitarian Coordination

The paper, “Promoting Disability Inclusion in Humanitarian Coordination: Lessons learned from the past year and impact of the humanitarian reset,” examines both progress and challenges in integrating disability-inclusion into humanitarian responses. It highlights lessons learned shared during Community of Practise (CoP) sessions, which were led by HI with support and funding by UNICEF. In these meetings, our teams in Cameroon and South Sudan shared their best practises and contributed significantly to the discussions.

Despite these advancements, the paper underscores the impact of the recent humanitarian reset and funding crisis, which have weakened technical support and reduced the representation of persons with disabilities. In an effort to address these challenges, key questions aimed to foster learning, discussion and coordination have been established based on the findings of the DRG. These questions are designed to help preserve achievements and bridge existing gaps in disability-inclusive humanitarian action.

For more details, the full learning paper is available here.

OPDs in Humanitarian Coordination

The other paper, “Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) in Humanitarian Coordination – What works, what’s needed, and how do we proceed?” showcases successful initiatives, such as the establishment of disability working groups and task forces. These have provided OPDs with clear entry points into humanitarian coordination structures. Co-creation and equal partnerships between OPDs and humanitarian actors have led to more inclusive programming and advocacy efforts.

Despite these successes, the paper also identifies persistent gaps, including limited access to sustained funding for OPDs and a lack of recognition of OPDs as equal technical partners.

Drawing on best practises and lessons learned useful impulses for the coordination between decision-makers and other humanitarian actors with OPDs are provided.

For more details, the full learning paper is available here.

These learning papers serve as a valuable resource for advancing disability-inclusive humanitarian action. By sharing lessons learned and identifying key questions, the DRG is helping to promote inclusive humanitarian responses and facilitate exchange of learning around coordination.