Summary of IDDR panel discussion on disaster resilience and disability: ensuring equality and inclusion

This summary captures the main proceedings of the multi-stakeholder panel discussion organized on 10 October, 2013, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, in observance of the 2013 the International Day for Disaster Reduction, which recognized the critical role of persons with disability in reducing disaster risks, and as an opportunity to contribute to the discussions on a post-2015 framework for disaster risk reduction (or HFA2).

Key findings and recommendations include: (i) Disability perspectives and concerns should be included in the global development agenda and frameworks, including the emerging post-2015 framework for disaster risk reduction (HFA2); (ii) actions should and can be taken now to include persons with disabilities in disaster risk reduction and resilience building; (iii) an approach that engages the whole community is needed; (iv) targeted and disability sensitive and responsive actions and plans are needed; (v) evidence-based information and accurate data on the situation of persons with disabilities are lacking, and are needed for successful planning, policy and decision-making, and implementation; and (vi) education and raising awareness offer multiple benefits for all.