“Reproductive health and protection services should be in place at the onset of a humanitarian emergency. They are as important as food, shelter and water; they are life-saving,” Beck said.
UNFPA brought attention to the needs of persons with disabilities, which are often overlooked during a humanitarian crisis. “Often, they are either directly excluded from or are not able to fully benefit from disaster risk reduction and humanitarian response programmes,” Beck said.
Citing the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Beck said it is crucial that disability-inclusive policies are included in all phases of disaster management to ensure the full and equal fulfilment of human rights of PWDs.
"The point is, every disaster puts vulnerable populations at risk and endangers their lives. They are less able to safeguard their own needs and interests compared with others. Responding to their special needs during emergency situations helps ensure that everyone is given proper protection, health and dignity to life as a matter of right," he said.
