In our partner countries in Central America, persons with disabilities face similar challenges, but approaches to these challenges can be fragmented. Our work with regional networks of organisations for persons with disabilities helps us move forward together to address these issues and make the most of our resources.
Our partnership with RIADIS, the Latin American network of organisations of persons with disabilities and their families, has resulted in important research into the needs of persons with disabilities and their representative organisations. A study on the response to COVID-19 listed recommendations on how to deal with future crises. In contrast, another CBM-supported research provided information on the barriers faced by persons with disabilities and the level of national compliance with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Both studies will provide valuable tools for organisations in the region to push for the fulfilment of disability rights. CBM has also supported RIADIS to strengthen the capacities of OPDs and disability activists in Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua through the International Disability Alliance and International Disability and Development Consortium’s Bridge CRPD-SDG training programme, which builds the knowledge and skills of the disability movement to advocate for and contribute to CRPD-compliant development in their communities and countries.
CBM has worked with COAMEX (the Mexico Coalition for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities) to bring OPDs and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Central America to address forced migration, one of the region's biggest challenges. People on the move across Central America face numerous challenges as they seek to escape violence and poverty and improve their living conditions. Hazardous journeys mean many people acquire a disability. In contrast, persons with and without disabilities turned away at the US border either return to their own countries or stay in Mexico in a legal limbo, facing greater poverty.
By focusing on reducing the conditions which cause people to flee their homes, COAMEX has developed resilience plans, advocacy plans and labour inclusion plans for Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua with organisations of and for persons with disabilities. COAMEX’s input has also helped CBM to shape proposals for new programmes responding to the situation across the region. Through the partnership, we will continue combining efforts, experience and knowledge from COAMEX, OPDs and NGOs to advocate and take action for the rights of persons with disabilities.
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