Statement delivered by Ambassador Trishala Persaud, Deputy Permanent Representative of Guyana to the UN, co-Chair at the UNSC Arria-formula Meeting on Persons with disabilities in situations of armed conflict and related humanitarian crises

Thank you, Co-Chair,

I thank Special Rapporteur Ms. Heba Hagrass, ICRC Permanent Observer, Ms. Laetitia Courtois and Associate Director of Human Rights Watch, Ms. Emina Ćerimović for their briefings and recommendations.

The increase in global conflicts has seen civilians bearing the brunt of their consequences. When conflicts occur, persons with disabilities are at a heightened risk of abandonment, varying forms of violence, exacerbated barriers to accessing basic services and even death. It is also important to consider conflict itself as a driver of disability requiring increased protection and humanitarian support to cater for civilians, especially children, who find themselves newly disabled on account of conflict.

The war in Gaza, for example, led to more than 1000 children having their limbs amputated between 7 October 2023 and May 2024. These figures are certainly higher now. OCHA has reported that Gaza has the largest cohort of child amputees in modern history. This is in addition to other civilians who have suffered debilitating injuries.

The unanimous adoption of Resolution 2475 five years ago was an important acknowledgement of the disproportionate impact of armed conflict and related humanitarian crises on persons with disabilities. It reinforced the international community's commitment to the protection of persons with disabilities in accordance with the Geneva Conventions and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Since the adoption of resolution 2475, there have been many significant developments in raising awareness about the challenges persons with disabilities face in conflict zones. Disability inclusion strategies have been integrated into humanitarian and peacekeeping operations. Data collection on persons with disabilities has also improved - a crucial element for effective resource allocation and informed policymaking.

Some challenges, however, remain in the implementation of Resolution 2475. Persons with disabilities continue to encounter barriers to accessing humanitarian aid, essential services and protection. In many areas affected by conflict, the infrastructure and resources necessary to support their needs remain inadequate. Discrimination and stigma also persist, hindering the full participation of persons with disabilities in matters which affect them.

Guyana believes that a multi-faceted approach is needed to strengthen the implementation of Resolution 2475. I proffer three recommendations today:

First, enhancing data collection mechanisms to accurately capture the experiences and requirements of persons with disabilities in conflict areas is necessary. The data should inform all stages of humanitarian and peacebuilding efforts and can be bolstered by regular reporting to track the progress of the implementation of Resolution 2475.

Second, Member States and humanitarian organizations must facilitate training on disability inclusion in the context of conflicts. Understanding the rights and needs of persons with disabilities is key to implementing best practices for their protection and support, including health care and psychosocial support.

Third, persons with disabilities must be included in disaster planning and preparedness, including post conflict reconstruction efforts, to mitigate the risks and barriers that affect them. They can contribute integrally to matters affecting them and to peacebuilding and peace processes.

I thank you