2023-11-03 16:49:04
Munich (ots) – People with disabilities are particularly affected by the devastating humanitarian crisis. The aid organization Handicap International (HI) is calling for inclusive humanitarian measures to be strengthened in the Gaza Strip. People with disabilities have greater difficulty accessing humanitarian aid and need more support. HI published the report “Inclusive Humanitarian Action – Gaza” on Friday.
A devastating humanitarian crisis
“Many people with disabilities, especially those with limited mobility, cannot be evacuated. Many are separated from their families. Some have lost aids that are important for their daily life, such as glasses, hearing aids or wheelchairs. Also the loss of hygiene products , diapers, catheters, etc. severely disrupts their lives and increases the risk of infection. People with disabilities who find themselves in this chaotic situation are at very high risk of being excluded and harassed. The protection and equal access to humanitarian Help for people with disabilities should be ensured,” demands HI rehabilitation specialist from Gaza, Reham Shaheen.
Emergency shelters not appropriate
According to UN agencies, it is estimated that more than 15% of internally displaced people have a disability. Most emergency shelters are not adequately equipped. For example, the necessary mattresses and hospital beds are missing. The food distributed does not meet the needs of people with swallowing difficulties. Access to health services, including rehabilitation, is more difficult for people with disabilities than for other people.
HI measures in Gaza
To date, Handicap International teams have reached 68 of 91 shelters in the South and identified the key needs of 4,000 displaced people. HI has already provided almost 1,000 people with mobility aids, hygiene kits, diapers, baby blankets, bandages, etc. The teams also organized 21 game activities for around 18,000 children and young people. Around 20 employees and 75 volunteers and partners were mobilized for rehabilitation, equipment distribution and leisure activities. HI also conducted 68 risk awareness events to warn more than 4,000 children and adults regarding unexploded ordnance and how to respond to bomb attacks.
Further information can be found in the Bericht “Inclusive Humanitarian Action – Gaza”
Questions & Contact:
Huberta von Roedern
Head of press and public relations
Mail: h.vonroedern@hi.org
Tel.: +49 89/54 76 06 34
Mobil: +49 151 73 02 32 06
www.handicap-international.de
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