Statement from the Disability Federation of Ireland on the plight of disabled people caught in the humanitarian and healthcare catastrophe in the Middle East

Our CEO John Dolan has issued the following statement: 

"We are deeply concerned about the plight of disabled people who are caught in a humanitarian and healthcare catastrophe in the Middle East for the past month.

"It is an accepted fact that Disabled People and their families are disproportionately affected in war and conflict. In the current situation they are at greater risk as they are unable to flee due to their disability and the fact that they rely on mobility aids and/or medical equipment in their homes. Persons with disabilities are also at greater risk of serious health consequences and even death, due to the indiscriminate attacks against populated areas, the unreasonably short evacuation warnings with little or no options for refuge, and from the ongoing denial of access to life-sustaining goods and services such as electricity, water, and food.

"Article 11 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities requires governments to take all necessary measures to ensure the protection and safety of persons with disabilities in situations of risk, including situations of armed conflict and humanitarian emergencies.

"We would ask that there would be an immediate response which would allow for unrestricted and disability-inclusive humanitarian assistance to address the basic needs of those civilians caught in this conflict.

"We also call for an immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, some of whom are likely to be disabled and who may have ongoing healthcare needs.

"Finally, we ask that the humanitarian borders be kept open so as those who wish to leave the conflict zone can do so."

ENDS