Attachments
What is inclusive humanitarian action (IHA)?
Inclusive humanitarian action (IHA) is grounded in international frameworks that affirm the rights of all individuals under International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and International Human Rights Law (IHRL). Disability-inclusive humanitarian action requires placing persons with disabilities as rights-holders at the center of the humanitarian response to ensure meaningful access, both in terms of protection and assistance. IHA focuses on the identification and removal of barriers faced by persons with disabilities when accessing humanitarian services across all sectors through their direct participation and engagement in the process.
Introduction
Persons with disabilities are estimated to represent 16 per cent of the world’s population1 . In humanitarian contexts, they make up a much higher percentage and are among the most marginalized in crisis-affected communities, disproportionately affected by conflict and emergency situations. In disasters, their mortality rate is two to four times higher than that of persons without disabilities. This is particularly evident in Syria, where over a decade of conflict has exacerbated the vulnerabilities of persons with disabilities. The ongoing violence, displacement, destruction of infrastructure, 2023 earthquake and limited access to essential services, including healthcare and rehabilitation, and decreasing levels of funding have left persons with disabilities facing significant barriers to survival and inclusion in emergency response efforts. The intersection of their pre-existing needs and the challenges posed by the protracted crisis highlights the urgency of prioritizing their inclusion in humanitarian programming in Syria.