Welcome commitment to disability equity when disasters strike

Media-release | October 17, 2024

CBM Australia and the Australian Disability and Development Consortium collectively welcome the Australian Government’s new Humanitarian Policy released this week.

“The new policy shows the Government is progressing Australia’s commitment to disability equity as a core focus of our international development and humanitarian programs”, commented Jane Edge, CEO of CBM Australia. “We welcome the clear direction to better integrate disability equity throughout the humanitarian program.”

Disability equity and rights is highlighted as a key area of focus for the future throughout the policy. More than 16 percent of people worldwide live with a disability, and their experiences of disaster and humanitarian crises are shaped by their disabilities. People with disabilities are up to four times more likely to be injured or die in disasters – an avoidable situation which Australia’s new disability-focused humanitarian policy provides an opportunity to address.

“We welcome the government’s commitment to humanitarian efforts, including a commitment to reach those most marginalised in societies, who are often left behind,” stated Kerryn Clarke on behalf of the Australian Disability and Development Consortium. “Now we look to working with the government to see increased funding to make this bold policy a lived reality of support for those in times of humanitarian crisis.”

As the first standalone policy of its kind for the humanitarian program since 2016, it comes at the most unstable period globally since World War II. The policy needs to be immediately turned into action driven by increased funding, accountability measures and resourcing of DFAT to deliver on commitments.

CBM Australia and ADDC encourage the government continue to partner with Australian NGOs in high-risk settings, with the policy signalling a hesitation do so. Australian NGOs have the ability to reach local partners quickly and effectively in many conflict settings, that other partners may not be able to harness.

CBM Australia and ADDC warmly welcome the announcement of $9 million for the dire humanitarian crisis in Yemen and the initial investment of $5 million to support a newly established Asia-Pacific Regional Humanitarian Fund. We welcome the policy’s commitment to multiyear funding in protracted crises.  

ENDS.

Cover photo: Credit to the AHP Phase III Communications & Advocacy Working Group. A man, wearing a blue short sleeved shirt is holding crutches with one hand and a card with his other hand is smiling.

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https://www.addc.org.au/media-release/humanitarian-policy-release

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