A/HRC/44/30
policies and programmes for emergency preparedness, planning and response should
include operational standards and indicators in order to ensure the inclusion of persons with
disabilities. A human rights-based, disability-inclusive approach requires informed and
evidence-based decision-making, which also relies on the availability of data.
Disaggregated data on persons with disabilities is so far lacking in most countries. Goals,
indicators, targets and reports relating to climate change must explicitly address persons
with disabilities, and include disaggregated data by disability. National information systems
and data collection need to be strengthened and participatory, and disability-inclusive risk
and capacity assessments should be used in order to identify key areas of action.
46.
In line with existing international obligations and the principle of common but
differentiated responsibility, States should raise resources for and share expertise through
international cooperation in order to build the capacities of and strengthen inclusive climate
action in the countries and communities that are most affected by climate change. In so
doing, States should ensure a systematic integration of the rights of persons with disabilities
into climate change-related policies and projects. Realizing the right to development of
persons with disabilities requires the adoption of a human rights-based approach to
disability that respects and allows for their active, free and meaningful participation in
development, the fair distribution of resulting benefits, including technological
developments, and their inclusion in society on an equal basis with others.
47.
In the case of extreme weather events and natural disasters, the principle of
“building back better” should involve rebuilding housing and infrastructure in an inclusive
manner, following the principles of universal design. That entails the design of products,
environments, programmes and services that should enable them to be usable by all people,
to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design.
IV. Good practices
48.
The following analysis highlights some good practices, identified through
stakeholder contributions and independent research by OHCHR, for the promotion of
disability-inclusive, human rights-based climate action.
49.
In their contributions, a number of stakeholders highlighted specific examples of
domestic laws and policies related to climate change and disability inclusion.57 In Jordan,
the Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities guarantees persons with disabilities a
barrier-free legislative environment based on equal opportunity, equality and nondiscrimination, including in relation to climate change protection. In India, the National
Disaster Management Authority has included in their draft guidelines on disability and
disaster the requirement for a national disaster agency dedicated to managing and
monitoring the integration into, and coordination with, the disaster risk management and
climate change action plan of persons with disabilities.58 In Spain, the Law on the National
System for Civil Protection ensures an inclusive focus on persons with disabilities,
including through specific references to universal access and accessible information.
50.
In Cuba, the 2017 State plan for confronting climate change comprises five strategic
actions that all include persons with disabilities. A directive of the President of the Council
of National Defence for Disaster Reduction requires information to be provided on the
measures taken to protect persons with disabilities. It further requires persons with
disabilities to be prepared and instructed on disaster risk reduction and included in
evacuation plans, and that shelter and assistance units be available and accessible to persons
with disabilities during disasters and emergencies. The National Plan for Climate Change
Adaptation of Colombia highlights the importance of analysing adaptation measures with
differential approaches, taking into account the perspectives of persons with disabilities.
57
58
See www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/HRAndClimateChange/Pages/PersonsWithDisabilities.aspx for all
contributions.
See contribution from the national human rights institution of India.
13
Select target paragraph3
Connect to a paragraph
Connect to an entity
Disable highlights
Add to table of contents