UNDESA updated its Policy and Action Plan for Disability Inclusion (2020-2025)
The UN Department of the Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) recently issued an updated Policy and Plan of Action for Disability Inclusion which extended its duration till end of 2025, aiming to a greater progress in implementing the UN Disability Inclusion Strategy and furthering inclusion the UNDESA within its mandates. Click here for a copy […]
Equity and Accessibility in Times of Pandemic: Building “Cities For All” Post-COVID19
The COVID-19 pandemic represents a severe threat to city services, global health, and is radically transforming the societies in which we live. Physical distancing measures adopted around Latin America and the world directly impact the life and well-being of almost 4.1 billion people living in cities. The populations considered at high risk include persons with […]
United Nations Voluntary Fund on Disability – Activities Supported
In April 2020, the United Nations Voluntary Funds on Disability provided grants on catalytic and innovative activities that support the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD) and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In 2019 call for proposals, 125 applications were received from 41 countries. After a […]
The Effect of the Coronavirus Pandemic on Persons with Disabilities
Removing barriers, making society inclusive and accessible: impact of the COVID-19 crisis on persons with disabilities and “building back better” toward an inclusive, accessible and sustainable world. Persons with disabilities face the same risk from the COVID-19 crisis and its impact as the rest of the population, but the danger experienced by those with disabilities […]
Persons with Disabilities in Armed Conflict: Inclusive Protection Perspectives
Save the date for this virtual discussion on an issue at the core of the Protection of Civilians agenda on 28 May 2020, 09.00-10.30 (NY time). This virtual side event, which coincides with the United Nations Security Council Open Debate on the Protection of Civilians, will focus on the disproportionate challenges facing persons with disabilities […]
Leaving no one behind: the COVID-19 crisis through the disability and gender lens
Persons with disabilities—both visible and invisible—face obstacles and discrimination in accessing health care and other essential services, social protection and income security, mental health services, and communication technologies. In addition, women and girls with disabilities are subject to intersecting forms of discrimination related to sexual and reproductive health, gender-based violence, legal protection, unpaid care and […]
COVID-19 and Persons with Disabilities: New UN report calls for disability-inclusive recovery
The COVID-19 pandemic is intensifying inequalities experienced by the world’s one billion people with disabilities, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said in launching a report issued on Wednesday that calls for a disability-inclusive recovery and response to the crisis. Even under normal circumstances, people with disabilities are less likely to access education, healthcare and income opportunities, […]
COVID-19 and human rights: New guidance highlights support for persons with disabilities
As Michelle Bachelet explained, not only are people with disabilities at higher risk because of the crisis, they also are disproportionately affected by response measures such as lockdowns. “People with disabilities are in danger in their own homes, where access to day-to-day support and services may be limited due to lockdowns, and some may suffer […]


