The Reference Group on Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Humanitarian Action (DRG) fellows continued their pursuit of a more inclusive world throughout July, August, and September 2022. Their efforts touched on various aspects of disability rights, from capacity-building initiatives to technical assistance activities, and strengthening relationships with relevant stakeholders. Here's a closer look at the impactful work of our fellows during this quarter:
Empowering engagement across borders:
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Rose's Initiatives in West Africa: Rokiatou "Rose" Diakite, from Mali, took her expertise to Cotonou, Benin, where she co-facilitated sessions and discussions around Article 11 at the Bridge CRPD-SDGs training Module 1. She also helped implement events in partnership with the Ministry of Population and The Sahel Women's Empowerment and Demographic Dividend Project (SWEDD). These events addressed a range of topics, including climate change's impact on persons with disabilities, enhancing the resilience of women with disabilities, UNCRPD's Article 11, and the meaningful inclusion of persons with disabilities—particularly women artists—in humanitarian action. Additionally, Rose participated in a capacity-building workshop focusing on mitigating the impact of population movements, especially in relation to access to sexual and reproductive healthcare for women with disabilities.
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Duya's Asia-Specific Curriculum in Mongolia: Jigjid “Duya” Dulamsuren, from Mongolia, began this quarter by preparing an Asia-specific curriculum, ensuring accurate translation and contextual relevance. The first pilot session for the region was successfully conducted on September 13. Duya also conducted research and training for deaf women in Bayan-Ulgii, a remote and vulnerable region along the western border of Mongolia. Her project, "Methodological assistance to deaf women to strengthen their resilience to overcome the Covid-19 period," aims to raise awareness about the situation of deaf women in remote areas, provide information on their rights, and remind authorities and public guardians of their rights.
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George's Research and Translation in Lebanon: George Khoury from Lebanon conducted extensive research on teaching students with disabilities in Lebanon during the COVID-19 lockdown and the conditions of students with disabilities in Arab countries during the lockdowns. He also played a vital role in translating the curriculum into Arabic, ensuring the terminology complies with the CRPD.
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Juan's Interactive Sessions in Latin America: Juan Cobenas from Argentina made his awareness sessions as interactive as possible, adapting text into plain language. He collaborated with Duya to create a glossary and pre-reading materials, translated the curriculum and related documents into Spanish, and sought out existing materials in Spanish to share with participants.
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Mauot's Pilot Sessions in Anglophone Africa: Mauot Luis Alier Anyang from South Sudan conducted the first two pilot sessions for the African Anglophone region, primarily focusing on the Bridge CRPD-SDGs fellows. His analysis of the region identified relevant examples to share, and he developed a standard tool for use in various sessions. Mauot ensured participants had a voice in each session, allowing them to share their opinions and challenges related to humanitarian action.
Technical Assistance Activities
All the fellows actively contributed to the revision of the Core Humanitarian Standards (CHS Alliance), participated in UNHCR disability-inclusive webinars, and engaged in monthly technical knowledge-sharing meetings with IDA's Article 11 Advisor.
Strengthening Stakeholder Relationships
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Rose's Proactive Outreach: Rose proactively communicated and pitched the DRG project to various OPDs and relevant stakeholders in her region. Her efforts have resulted in collaborations and exchanges, including a roundtable focusing on the inclusion and participation of citizens in vulnerable situations, particularly internally displaced persons with disabilities in the electoral process.
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Juan's Advocacy: Juan made contributions to the consultation for the Transforming Education Summit, emphasizing the importance of keeping education inclusive in humanitarian crises. He also expanded his network by making contacts with regional leaders and participating in events hosted by major OPDs in Latin America.
The constant efforts of DRG fellows during these three months showcases their dedication to building a more inclusive world. Their efforts span continents and address the diverse needs of persons with disabilities, and their advocacy continues to drive positive change.
