© HI
Result 3 - Applied Accompanying Research, Universities and Specialist Events
The third component of our project supported scientific research in the field of inclusion of persons with disabilities in humanitarian action.
The sustainable documentation and strengthening of data on disability-inclusive programmes and projects is essential to improve humanitarian interventions.
As a result, two case studies on mainstreaming disability in humanitarian contexts have been published by our partner the Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict (IFHV).
Field Research in Bangladesh
“In Cox’s Bazar, persons with disabilities face a lot of discrimination. I have bitter experiences here. The communities don’t think that persons with disabilities can organize, do advocacy work or raise their voices.”
Interviewee
© Abir Abdullah/ HI
Cover photo of the research report "Mainstreaming Disability in Humanitarian Action in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh“ 2021
The research report "Mainstreaming Disability in Humanitarian Action" focuses on the situation of 854,000 Rohingya refugees in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh.
It examines factors that can hinder or facilitate disability inclusion.
Despite an increased attention and awareness within communities and by humanitarian organisations, persons with disabilities are still not being sufficiently protected.
Field Research in South Sudan
“If we consider the four ‘must do’ actions, most progress has been achieved with regard to the participation of persons with disabilities and empowerment/capacity-building, while the collection, analysis and use of disaggregated data and the removal of attitudinal and environmental barriers remain ongoing concerns.”
Interviewee
© HI
Cover photo of the resaerch report "Towards a disability-Inclusive Humanitarian Response in South Sudan?” 2021
The second research report, "Towards a disability-Inclusive Humanitarian Response in South Sudan?" (2021) explores the implementation of the Must-Do Actions defined by the IASC Guidelines as key measures for implementing an inclusive humanitarian response.
The research report identifies progress and gaps in the implementation, and provides recommendations for humanitarian actors.
Despite existing awareness within local communities and on the part of humanitarian organisations, persons with disabilities are not yet sufficiently heard, protected and included.
There is still a strong need for research to document change processes, practical examples and the impact of the Guidelines on humanitarian interventions over longer periods of time.
Universities and Specialist Events
© CHA
Project coordinator Haakon Spriewald (right) as a speaker at the Human Rights Film Festival 2020
In order to sensitise the next generation, our future colleagues, to the topic of inclusion, guest lectures and module contributions were designed for the Master's programme "International Humanitarian Action" at the Ruhr University Bochum and the Bachelor's programme "International Emergency and Disaster Relief" at the Akkon University of Applied Sciences. With the anchoring of inclusion in the curriculum of the universities, 128 students learned not only the basics of understanding disability but also about important legal, policy and operational frameworks on the topic.
Further, we introduced disability as a cross-cutting theme at 17 different events and supported the event organisers in making those accessible. Among the events we support as part of our outreach was the Human Rights Film Festival, which addresses issues around human rights, climate change and the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) under the slogan "The Future is Now!".