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Inclusive Humanitarian Action

During sudden and ongoing crises, persons with disabilities face greater challenges. CBM works with partners to implement disability-inclusive humanitarian responses to support those affected by crises and advocates for inclusive action within the humanitarian community.

Tapiwa, the chair of the Local Disabled Persons Committee, and Allen Chaitezvi, a member of the CBM Emergency Response Team, review the Humanitarian Hands-on Tool (HHoT) app at an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Chimanimani, Zimbabwe. Tapiwa lost his arm in a traffic accident.

IHA resources and publications

Humanitarian crises are becoming more frequent, complex, and impactful. Rapid urbanisation and climate change are likely to increase the frequency and severity of disasters and heighten vulnerabilities.  

Crises are lasting longer, and in 2025, an estimated 305.1 million people needed humanitarian assistance. Conflict remains a primary contributor to humanitarian needs, with a complex dynamic between poverty, vulnerability, and environmental fragility affecting significant numbers of people. Approximately 831 million people live in extreme poverty, with a significant portion residing in fragile and conflict-affected countries. The World Bank estimates that about 10% of the global population live in such contexts. 

Persons with disabilities make up 16% of the global population, with 80 per cent living in the Global South. In 2024, approximately 123.2 million forcibly displaced people, more than 17 million were estimated to be persons with disabilities. By 2050, it is estimated that 30 million of the 200 million people displaced by climatic events will be persons with disabilities. A large proportion of any disaster-affected population consists of persons living with disabilities, who face amplified barriers during crises. 

Facts about persons with disabilities in crisis situations

  • 1.35 bn children live in conflict-affected countries and are more vulnerable to disabilities due to disease and malnutrition

  • 79% of all persons with disabilities would have great difficulty being evacuated immediately in the event of sudden disasters

  • 4X persons with disabilities are up to 4 times more likely to be injured or die in crises

Inclusive Humanitarian Action by CBM

CBM’s humanitarian work is based on the four humanitarian principles: humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence. These principles ensure that all crisis affected populations receive humanitarian assistance without discrimination, including at-risk groups, remain free from political control, are coordinated with other humanitarian agencies, are accountable to affected communities, and integrate environmental considerations. 

CBM’s Inclusive Humanitarian Action ensures that crisis responses meet both the basic needs of all affected people and the specific requirements of persons with disabilities, who are often overlooked by other actors. It strengthens the meaningful participation of persons with disabilities and their organisations (OPDs), advocates for disability inclusion within humanitarian coordination, and provides technical support to international humanitarian organisations to make the wider humanitarian system more inclusive. 

Furthermore, CBM strongly supports the localisation of humanitarian action. Our humanitarian programmes cooperate with local partner organisations, receiving technical and administrative support from CBM’s country offices and Inclusive Humanitarian Action Initiative.  

Commitment to Humanitarian Principles and Accountability 

  • CBM is a signatory to the Code of Conduct for the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and NGOs in Disaster Relief. 

  • Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS) Alliance: As a member of this global network, CBM promotes principled and accountable humanitarian action. We conducted a self-assessment in 2018 and 2025. 

Engaging with global humanitarian networks

Inclusive humanitarian action saves lives and is therefore an indispensable part of our work.
Till Kuester, CBM Humanitarian Director

CBM engages with international organisations, key humanitarian donors, international NGOs, and Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs). Our active involvement in global networks, conferences, and partnerships enhances the credibility and impact of our advocacy efforts. 

Key Partnerships and Initiatives 

  • European Disability Forum (EDF) 

  • Humanity & Inclusion (HI) 

  • International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) 

  • International Rescue Committee (IRC) 

  • Momentum Wheels for Humanity  

  • ZOA International 

  • These partnerships are instrumental in advancing inclusive policies, enhancing accessibility standards, and ensuring the needs of persons with disabilities are integrated into all aspects of humanitarian response. 

Highlighted Engagements 

  • Disability Reference Group (DRG): In 2019, the DRG was established to promote coordination among UN agencies, international NGOs, and OPDs following the endorsement of the IASC Guidelines on Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Humanitarian Action. CBM has been actively involved, contributing to initiatives such as developing open-source training modules and compiling promising practices. 

  • Anticipation Hub: CBM, joined in 2022, supports the mainstreaming of disability inclusion in humanitarian action. Hosted by the German Red Cross, IFRC, and the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre, the Hub facilitates knowledge exchange, learning, and advocacy, including involvement in the 'Protection, Gender, and Inclusion Working Group'. 

Download our key reports

  • Ukraine portfolio of CBM

    pdf, 8.8MB, Not Accessible

    The Ukraine Portfolio Factsheet provides a concise overview of CBM’s multisectoral, disability-inclusive humanitarian interventions since May 2022. With a total budget of around EUR 15.9 million, CBM supports persons with disabilities, people with war-related injuries, older people, refugees, and other particularly vulnerable groups in Ukraine and neighbouring countries.

    Download

  • Policy Brief: Addressing Persons with Disabilities in the Convention on Prevention and Punishment of Crimes against Humanity

    pdf, 618.0KB, Accessible

    This policy brief urges UN Member States to close a critical gap in the draft Convention on Crimes against Humanity by explicitly recognizing disability-based persecution. It calls for legal provisions and safeguards that guarantee equal access to justice and compliance with international human rights law.

    Download

  • Strengthening Disability Inclusion in Humanitarian Response Plans – The Case of Cameroon

    pdf, 4.5MB, Accessible

    This case study presents the efforts made in Cameroon to mainstream disability inclusion within the wider humanitarian response through the integration of disability inclusion into the Humanitarian Response Plans (HRPs) for 2023 and 2024. The case study reflects how effective collaboration between organizations of persons with disabilities, UN agencies, and humanitarian organizations can drive systemic changes for disability inclusion and ensure a stronger uptake of disability inclusion in humanitarian needs assessments and planning.

    Download

  • Establishment of the Disability Working Group (DWG) Northeast Nigeria – Lessons Learned

    pdf, 4.3MB, Accessible

    This case study presents the efforts made to mainstream disability inclusion within the humanitarian response in the Northeast region in Nigeria through the establishment of a Disability Working Group (DWG). The documentation highlights success factors that supported the process and emphasizes the critical role that organisations of persons with disabilities played in the establishment of the DWG.

    Download

  • Inclusive Humanitarian Action (IHA) Annual Report 2024

    pdf, 6.0MB, Accessible

    This report summarises CBM’s ongoing dedication to providing equitable support and practising a more inclusive humanitarian response across the world. As we continue to navigate the challenges of a rapidly changing world, we remain committed in our mission to ensure that every person, regardless of their abilities, has access to the support and opportunities they need to thrive.

    Download

  • Gap Analysis on Disability Inclusive Humanitarian Action in Eastern Africa

    pdf, 1.4MB, Accessible

    CBM and DAHW conducted a comprehensive gap analysis in Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda and South Sudan to assess the status of disability inclusive humanitarian action for persons with disabilities in East Africa. The aim of the study was to gain insights and make recommendations for improved inclusive programming.

    Download
  • Alma ( aged 10) learning sign language at ASDC.

    Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Guidelines

    pdf, 12.3MB, Accessible

    For children across the world, school is one of the most important components of their lives, and it provides an opportunity for teachers and schools to use their proximity to children to support their mental health and wellbeing. Deaf and hard of hearing children in the Palestinian Territories are a group at risk of mental health problems, and it is important that we support them in schools.

    Download

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