UNICEF Emergency Response

Dear Friend,

UNICEF believes in Resilience for All. Children with disabilities face unique vulnerabilities during disasters, ranging from their exclusion in disaster preparedness, to challenges in accessing emergency information, to difficulties accessing safe spaces. This risks marginalizing a significant group unless deliberate, inclusive strategies are implemented to make disaster risk reduction (DRR) initiatives accessible and responsive.

With your generous, flexible emergency support, UNICEF’s efforts in disability-inclusive disaster risk reduction (DiDRR) are transforming the way communities prepare for and respond to emergencies, ensuring that no child is left behind. By integrating all-of-society approaches into DRR programming in numerous countries, UNICEF is multiplying results for children, particularly those with disabilities.

In the Islamic Republic of Iran, UNICEF collaborated with partners to develop DRR guidelines for children with disabilities. These guidelines addressed the disaster management cycle and tailored preparedness efforts for children with hearing impairments and physical disabilities, and for those on the autism spectrum. This initiative marked a critical step in ensuring that emergency planning is inclusive and responsive to diverse needs.

In Tajikistan, UNICEF focused on creating accessible disaster preparedness materials, building capacity and generating evidence. DRR resources in Braille and sign language and in other formats were developed to ensure children with disabilities could access vital information. Training sessions for national stakeholders and organizations of persons with disabilities strengthened their ability to support children during emergencies. These efforts enhanced preparedness – and informed future policies through evidence-based approaches.

In Turkmenistan, UNICEF prioritized inclusive school safety by conducting risk-informed assessments in educational facilities, developing disability-specific emergency guidelines and building the capacity of administrative and teaching personnel, with the involvement of organizations of persons with disabilities. These efforts addressed the environmental barriers faced by children with disabilities, while increasing the number of children benefiting from improved safety measures in schools and rehabilitation centers.

In India, UNICEF supported the National Disaster Management Authority in revising emergency handbooks to integrate disability inclusion, gender-responsive principles and child protection. Workshops involving organizations of persons with disabilities ensured accessibility in emergency planning, while new guidelines for mainstreaming DiDRR in six core life-saving sectors facilitated the inclusion of marginalized groups. This intersectional approach strengthened partnerships and empowered communities to build resilience.

These efforts have created a resilient framework for children with disabilities to participate actively and safely in their communities. Despite ongoing challenges, your support has been pivotal in setting new standards for inclusive humanitarian action, ensuring every child’s voice is heard and every life is protected. Thank you for making this impact possible.

In partnership,

Sha Ni Wang
Senior Associate, Corporate and Civil Society Partnerships