Over a billion people worldwide live with a disability, most of whom lack a social safety net. Those living in poverty and with a disability have minimal chances of receiving support during crises. Today, on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, CBM is calling on governments worldwide to take this into account in development cooperation and national social protection systems.
We live in an increasingly volatile world, characterised by frequent crises. But too often, persons with disabilities are left alone when faced with challenges that could affect their health, their livelihood or their ability to support their family. 3.8 billion people worldwide have no access to social security, and this particularly affects persons with disabilities or those living in poverty.
The employment rate for men and women with disabilities is significantly lower than that for persons without disabilities. At the same time, globally only about one in three persons with severe disabilities receive any form of disability benefit - and even then, support is often inadequate. In Sub-Saharan Africa and Southern Asia, coverage falls to fewer than one in ten. This lack of income security is particularly concerning, as persons with disabilities typically face additional expenses for care and support, accessible transportation, assistive technologies, and higher medical needs. While most countries do have systems in place, they are frequently poorly designed, underfunded, insufficient, and overburdened.
