Answer given by Mr Lenarčič on behalf of the European Commission
20.9.2022
In line with the EU operational guidance on the inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWD) in EU humanitarian aid operations[1], humanitarian partners mainstream the needs of PWD in their actions to foster a disability-inclusive humanitarian response.
Specifically, under the EU humanitarian allocation of EUR 335 million for Ukraine, EU-funded partners like Humanity & Inclusion (HI), the International Rescue Committee and the World Health Organisation prioritise PWD for protection, psychosocial support, hygiene, health, shelter, and cash assistance support.
The Commission, together with the EU Agency for Asylum, provides and coordinates operational support to provide information to displaced people from Ukraine, in line with the strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021-2030 .
The EU developed communication materials like websites with practical information[2], interactive maps[3], hotlines for queries in all the official EU languages as well as Ukrainian and Russian[4], and videos about displaced people’s rights. The Commission is also considering to further examine the possibility of using International Sign.
The EU disability-inclusive humanitarian response in Ukraine allows its partners to identify and tackle the obstacles PWD face in accessing humanitarian services.
For example, HI detects potential information and communication barriers for persons with sensory disabilities and finds appropriate enablers to ensure more accessible services and assistance.
Regarding Civil Protection aid, which is delivered State-to-State, the Ukrainian authorities manage its distribution. Ukrainian PWD have also benefited from the EU organised system of medical evacuations[5].
- [1] The EU operational guidance on the inclusion of PWDs is built on international standards and principles already agreed upon among humanitarian actors, Disabled Peoples’ Organisations (DPOs) and other key stakeholders. It also draws on existing and draft guidelines under development at the global level, such as the Inter Agency Standing Committee (IASC) guidelines on inclusion of PWDs in Humanitarian Action, https://interagencystandingcommittee.org/iasc-guidelines-on-inclusion-of-persons-with-disabilities-in-humanitarian-action-2019
- [2] https://ec.europa.eu/info/strategy/priorities-2019-2024/stronger-europe-world/eu-solidarity-ukraine/eu-assistance-ukraine/information-people-fleeing-war-ukraine_en
- [3] https://ec.europa.eu/info/strategy/priorities-2019-2024/stronger-europe-world/eu-solidarity-ukraine/eu-assistance-ukraine/information-people-fleeing-war-ukraine_en#information-about-national-authorities-and-free-travel-options
- [4] https://european-union.europa.eu/contact-eu_en
- [5] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/MEX_22_4883