Humanitarian contexts

Man using a hand-powered tricycle moves through floodwater on a city street.

Humanitarian contexts

Together, let’s ensure access to assistive technology for all who need it

©Mukesh Kumar Jwala/Shutterstock

For someone forced to flee their home in a humanitarian crisis, and for those who acquire new impairments during conflict and disaster, having access to assistive technology can be crucial to survival, for accessing humanitarian assistance and information, and restoring livelihoods. People affected by humanitarian emergencies should have access to national systems for assistive technology provision, including in the acute phase of emergency response, even if they are non‑citizens (refugees).

 

The needs of users of assistive technology should be included in all emergency and humanitarian relief efforts provided by humanitarian agencies and government services.

Why assistive technology matters for humanitarian contexts

 

Access to assistive technology in humanitarian settings is a human right

 

 

After a crisis, lost or damaged devices must be replaced and newly impaired people need support.
The need for assistive technology in humanitarian contexts will continue to increase.

 


 

Four-panel infographic on assistive technology and emergencies: up to 30% of the global population needs one or more assistive products, with higher need in humanitarian contexts; in low-income countries only 10% of people have the assistive technology they need; people with disabilities face a disaster mortality rate four times higher than those without disabilities; and for a child in a low- or middle-income country, access to assistive technology can increase lifetime income by about US$100,000.

Inclusion is key to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and leave no one behind. There will not be full inclusion while people are unable to access assistive technology. Assistive technology cuts across all 17 SDGs and is particularly relevant to some.