Together We Stand

[ 44 ] tries of Health, Gender, Labour and Social Development, Water and Environment, Education, Sports, Science and Technology, as well as various other agencies and entities operating in the settlements. World Vision Finland’s disabil- ity advisor provided further advice on applying the social model of disability during the course of the operations. The project in Kyangwali benefitted roughly 5,000 refu- gees and host community members, out of which nearly 600 were disabled. The project in Adjumani benefitted around 10,000 refugees and host community members, out of which 2,000 were disabled. All benefited from more and better clean water sources. In addition to the disabled, inclusive and accessible water and sanitation facilities are also helpful and safe for children and for the elderly. These pilot projects on inclusive water and sanitation have functioned as a catalyst in several ways. In addi- tion to the WASH sector, the presence and needs of the disabled in Kyangwali are now recognized for example in the settlements’ shelter construction. The inclusive water and sanitation models are being adopted by other agen- cies operating in the settlements. World Vision Uganda is scaling up the inclusive WASH models in its development and humanitarian operations countrywide. The projects have clearly shown that access to inclusive water and sanitation facilities gives disabled people a possi- bility to participate in and contribute to local development. This can have a much broader impact on disabled refu- gees than ‘only’ clean water, baths and latrine facilities. In Kyangwali and Adjumani, the disabled are no longer a hidden group, but participate actively in the develop- ment of the settlements, for example as members of local refugee welfare councils. They are now more empowered than before. “Independent access to water and sanitation has given me my dignity!” many beneficiaries say. Some go even further in their statements: “This project has transformed me into a human being!” What can then be done to further advance the situation of people with disabilities in humanitarian emergencies? There is first and foremost a need to recognize the crucial role of persons with disabilities in humanitarian action and their capacity to meaningfully participate in the planning and implementation of assistance. This requires further development of existing policies, services and strategies. System-wide change in the way issues relating to persons with disabilities are addressed in humanitarian assistance will require a comprehensive set of actions reflecting a rights-based approach to disability, guided by the prin- ciples outlined in the UNCRPD, in particular Article 11. Globally-endorsed standards and guidelines on the inclu- sion of persons with disabilities in humanitarian action are essential to making this change and ensuring accountabil- ity. The development of such globally-endorsed guidelines and standards would support states’ obligations set under the UNCRPD and facilitate the implementation of other inclusive frameworks, such as the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The adoption of guidelines would also support a range of humanitarian actors to “put people at the heart of humanitarian action” by recognizing diversity among individuals and communities affected by humanitarian emergencies. Advocacy work has reduced discrimination against persons with disabilities Wide participation in planning and implementation has been a key target Image: World Vision Uganda Image: World Vision Uganda T ogether W e S tand