Children With Disabilities in Situations of Armed Conflict

Over the last four years, the number of UNICEF Country Offices supporting children with disabilities in emergency contexts has increased more than five-fold with programmes including accessible child-friendly spaces in Jordan, targeted cash transfer programmes in Syria, and accessible items in our emergency kits. Governments around the world have committed themselves to respect, promote, and fulfil the rights of children with disabilities, including in situations of armed conflict, and progress is being made. Yet, as this discussion paper makes clear, much more needs to be done. Investments in disability-inclusive humanitarian action and recovery from crises will pay off, contributing towards a dividend of peace built on greater equality, tolerance and justice. 

This paper examines the heightened risks faced by children with disabilities, and provides recommendations on strengthening protection and disability-inclusive humanitarian assistance. 

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