The Panel focused on good practices and lessons learned in the promotion and protection of the rights of persons with disabilities in the context of the adverse impact of climate change. Its main objectives were to understand the benefits of disability-inclusive climate action and to identify opportunities for international cooperation in mitigation and adaptation actions which promote and protect the rights of persons with disabilities.
The panellists of the event were:
Ms Catalina Devandas Aguilar, Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities
Ms Amalia A. Decena, President of Handicapables Association of Cagayan, Philippines
Mr Sébastien Jodoin, Assistant Professor at the McGill University Faculty of Law and Canada Research Chair in Human Rights and the Environment
Ms Deborah Iyute Oyuu, Programme Officer at the National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda
Refugees, asylum seekers, and other migrants with disabilities are not properly identified and do not enjoy equal access to services in reception centres in Greece. On the basis of research carried out in mainland Greece and on the Greek islands in October 2016 and January 2017, and follow-up phone interviews in December 2016 and January 2017, Human Rights Watch found that asylum seekers and refugees with disabilities are not properly identified in Greece, in part because of a rushed registration process and the need for better guidance for staff. Without an adequate understanding of the scale and needs, aid agencies cannot respond effectively. Problems with equal access to water and sanitation services, food distribution, shelter, and health care including mental health and psychosocial support are reported.
Emergency planning is relevant to all carers, irrespective of the age of the carer, the age of the person they care for or the health needs or disability the cared-for person has.
The emergency planning toolkit will helps a carer create an emergency plan. Answering ‘Who, What Why, Where and When’, enables planning for any unforeseen circumstances.
Working through the toolkit, requires a carer to consider all eventualities and possible solutions. Relevant family, friends and professionals should be involved in this process.
Once a carer has worked through the toolkit they should have enough information to complete the emergency plan