Strengthening Inclusive Humanitarian Response for Persons with Disabilities

CBM recognizes the importance of responding to these challenges and actively engages in providing humanitarian assistance during conflict-related crises, displacements, and in the aftermath of natural disasters. In part one of this interview, Roland Schlott, Director of CBM's Inclusive Humanitarian Action Initiative (IHA), provides insights into CBM's humanitarian action work.  

A: CBM is not an immediate crisis responder with an emergency response team. We restrict our operations to areas where we already have a presence, addressing fundamental needs such as food, non-food items, and health care. Our efforts also centre around re-establishing “normality” and social cohesion between displaced individuals and host communities. Additionally, we provide psychosocial support and mental health services for those traumatized by displacement. In Eastern Congo and Cameroon, our partners specialize in physical rehabilitation and prosthetics for individuals who have lost limbs and need rehabilitation. 

In Ukraine, we are equipping a hospital ward to address the needs of patients with spinal cord injuries who have been affected by the ongoing conflict. This is a critical humanitarian effort where our focus is not only on acute needs but also on preventing disabilities and removing barriers in humanitarian contexts.  

A: The duration of our involvement depends on the situation and the needs of the people we address. In some cases, as the situation stabilizes, reconstruction efforts begin, and a stable development context is restored. In prolonged refugee situations, like the Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya where individuals from South Sudan have been residing for two to three decades, we focus on mobilizing resources for long-term support on inclusive education. In the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, for example, we have continuously alternated between life-saving interventions and strengthening reconstruction and systems for the past 25 years. Our goal is to bridge the gap between humanitarian and development work, facilitating the transition of communities into sustainable development contexts. 

A: In the past, the needs of persons with disabilities have been overlooked, leaving them more vulnerable in crises. Mistreatment and lack of respect for their rights have been observed, particularly for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Through our partners and organisations of persons with disabilities, we can actively engage in advocacy efforts to enhance the quality of humanitarian response and create a more equitable and respectful environment for persons with disabilities. 

A: Persons with disabilities face specific concerns, such as a lack of access to early warning messages and evacuation support. For example, in the event of an approaching cyclone, deaf individuals may not receive acoustic early warning messages. To address these concerns, we prioritize disability-inclusion by ensuring that alert systems or people are in place to reach persons with disabilities and - in the response phase – we are providing necessary assistive devices and medications.  

In another instance, I vividly recall a case where a group of individuals required medication for psychological conditions in a humanitarian context. During the disruption, the supply chain was severely affected. In our humanitarian action projects, we provide general necessities like food and water as well as the required medications. Additionally, we provide essential assistive devices like wheelchairs, crutches, mobility aids, or prostheses. The inclusion aspect of humanitarian action holds significant importance in our work. 

A: In Niger, we support women suffering from untreated fistula and other reproductive health conditions in areas affected by violence. We arrange transportation for them to quality medical facilities in the capital city, Niamey, covering the costs of necessary procedures. This support, made possible by funding from the BMZ, helps to prevent stigma and rejection of women within their communities. The impact of our assistance is evident not only for individuals but also for entire families when the person gains independence and self-care abilities. It's remarkable how even small actions can make a profound difference, not only for individuals but also for society. 

A: The global crisis of conflicts, forced displacement and migration, along with natural disasters and climate change, will pose significant challenges. This leads to an increase in injuries and disabilities, demanding assistance from humanitarian workers. What keeps me motivated is the understanding that by addressing specific needs, we empower individuals to regain independence, become active members of their communities, and create a positive ripple effect in society.