People With Disabilities at Added Risk in War, Displacement

December 3^rd marks the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. It is a day to promote awareness and mobilize support for key issues including addressing isolation.  To commemorate the day and with the current refugee crisis in mind, Human Rights Watch (HRW) is drawing attention to the situation of people with disabilities in the context of war and conflict. People with disabilities face acute challenges and barriers to basic services in emergencies. Disabled refugees often feel not only emotionally isolated, but also risk neglect and abandonment. Through its work the HRW is calling for standards and guidelines, which “address coordination, implementation, monitoring and financing, and further support of inclusive practices in all aid programs and efforts.” As a partner in the Social Connectedness movement, we encourage all to read the HRW press release.