Acting UNFPA representative Masaki Watabe has said that girls and young women with disabilities are at higher risks of exploitation, violence and abuse during disasters.
“Their mortality rate is two to four times higher than that of persons without disabilities,” he said, while speaking at a strategic dialogue on inclusive humanitarian preparedness, early warning, risk reduction and response programme on Tuesday.
The UN population agency in collaboration with the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction hosted the dialogue bringing together the government and other key stakeholders to discuss the urgent need for inclusivity in disaster preparedness and response programs, particularly for marginalized groups such as persons with disabilities, gender-diverse populations, and adolescent girls.
The dialogue produced key recommendations to ensure that gender-diverse groups, persons with disabilities, and adolescent girls are fully included in humanitarian programs, particularly in safeguarding their sexual and reproductive health rights and ensuring protection from violence, the UNFPA said.
“Moving forward, these recommendations will guide the development of more inclusive and gender responsive policies and practices in Bangladesh, placing the most vulnerable and marginalized populations at the center of disaster preparedness and response efforts.”
The acting representative said: “We also provide targeted disaster relief for the marginalized gender diverse groups - hijra communities. Yet more needs to be done to remove the discrimination and stigma around gender diverse populations to ensure equal access to humanitarian support.”
The Asia-Pacific region is the most disaster-prone in the world, with nearly 45% of global disasters occurring in this area.
Bangladesh, ranked as the seventh most disaster-prone country globally and often exacerbated by climate change, faces significant challenges in ensuring effective and inclusive humanitarian response.
Despite notable progress in overall disaster risk management in Bangladesh, the most vulnerable members of society continue to face exclusion from disaster planning and response efforts.
This has led to an increased risk of harm, exploitation, and lack of access to essential services in times of crisis.
The dialogue provided a platform to address the gaps in disaster response and preparedness, specifically the inclusion of these marginalized groups in accessing sexual and reproductive health services, and ensuring their protection from gender-based violence.
Participants discussed how these vulnerable groups face disproportionately higher risks during disasters, and how humanitarian programs must evolve to meet their unique needs.
Hamah Hosen, Humanitarian Advisor at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australian High Commission in Bangladesh, highlighted Australia’s new Humanitarian Policy, and said: “Our International Development Policy reflects our ongoing commitment to addressing the disproportionate impacts that crises have on vulnerable communities.
“At its core it acknowledges that women, children, people with disabilities and gender-diverse people need to be the focus of, and active participants in how we respond to and prepare for crises. Together with our partners, we remain committed to efforts that are informed by these groups, addressing their specific needs and amplifying their voices in decision making processes that affect their lives,” she said.
