People with disabilities are higher risks of exploitation, violence, and abuse during disasters: Experts

The humanitarian experts stated that girls and young women with disabilities are at higher risk of exploitation, violence, and abuse during disasters.

They also said that when any natural disaster occurred in Bangladesh the disabled persons were negligible. Most of the shelters are not disability-friendly, especially for disabled girls and young women who don't have a proper environment.

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), in collaboration with the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), hosted a strategic dialogue on inclusive humanitarian preparedness, early warning, risk reduction and response programme in Dhaka today.

The event brought together the government and other key stakeholders to discuss the urgent need for inclusivity in disaster preparedness and response programs, particularly for marginalised groups such as persons with disabilities, gender-diverse populations, and adolescent girls.

Masaki Watabe, UNFPA representative said, "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".

"We also provide targeted disaster relief for the marginalised 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," watabe added.

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 marginalised groups in accessing sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services, and ensuring their protection from gender-based violence (GBV).

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 adviser at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australian High Commission in Bangladesh, mentioned, "Australia has a proud history of humanitarian action in Bangladesh and across the region. Australia's new Humanitarian Policy, and our International Development Policy, reflect 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," Hamah added. 

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 SRH rights and providing protection from violence.

These recommendations will guide the development of more inclusive and gender-responsive policies and practices in Bangladesh moving forward, placing the most vulnerable and marginalised populations at the centre of disaster preparedness and response efforts.

The event was attended by representatives from Government Ministries, Directorates, and Departments (Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Ministry of Social Welfare, Ministry of Women and Children's Affairs), UN agencies, international and national NGOs, civil society organisations (CSOs) and academia, as well as representatives from the organisations with persons with disabilities and gender-diverse groups and the media.