Goto main content

 Research articles 

Humanity & Inclusion produces studies on the barriers faced by people with disabilities, and proposes a series of recommendations for including them in humanitarian actions and development projects, so that they are not left behind in times of crisis, conflict, natural disaster and poverty. 

Protection of Civilians @25: Challenges and Opportunities for Canada’s Engagement

In June 2024, a roundtable of distinguished experts from government, the armed forces, academia, and civil society was cohosted by McGill University’s Max Bell School of Public Policy and Humanity & Inclusion Canada in order to mark the 25th anniversary of the first United Nations Security Council Resolution on the Protection of Civilians (POC). Canada was instrumental in establishing POC as a priority on the Security Council’s agenda as part of Ottawa’s broader Human Security initiative. The aim was to discuss current challenges and potential opportunities for Canada to advance the POC agenda.

Date: June 2024

The Impact of War: Malnourishment and Disability in the Gaza Strip

Emergency Issue Brief 2024: Since October 7, 2023, the Gaza Strip is experiencing one of the most severe humanitarian crises in history. Nearly 2 million people have been displaced as violence devastates livelihoods, cripples food systems, destroys 70 percent of crop fields, and severely restricts humanitarian efforts. The collapse of health services and WASH systems has further intensified the crisis, pushing people toward catastrophic levels of acute food insecurity. Persons with disabilities are particularly at risk, as disruptions in healthcare, mobility support, and basic services leave them with even fewer resources to survive and access essential care.

Date: November 2024

Gaza Humanitarian Access Snapshot 7

Israel’s assault on the Gaza Strip, as of 12 November 2024, has killed more than 43,665 Palestinians and injured 103,076, with tens of thousands still missing. Around 80% of Gaza is under forced displacement orders and 90% of the population are displaced, most multiple times in the last year.

A scorecard developed by eight humanitarian organisations assesses Israel’s failure to comply with U.S. humanitarian access demands.

Date: November 2024

Powerful yet overlooked: African women with disabilities and the ongoing struggle for inclusion, 30 years after Beijing 

Women with disabilities represent up to three-quarters of the population in low- and middle income countries. Yet, thirty years after the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (BPfA), the promises of gender equality remain unfulfilled for African women and girls with disabilities. This report brings to light the persistent gaps in inclusion, participation, and the protection of the rights of women with disabilities, despite international commitments and national efforts. It reflects the voices and experiences of 244 women and gender-diverse individuals with disabilities across 23 countries in Africa, drawing on consultations and surveys conducted in collaboration with over 20 women-led organisations of women with disabilities.

Date: October, 2024

Devastating impact of conflict on persons with disabilities living in Lebanon

The latest uptick in violence between Israel and Lebanon is an evident spillover of the war waged on Gaza since October 2023. The rapid escalation of violence in Lebanon during September 2024 and continued airstrikes by the Israeli military across Lebanon’s south, Bekaa valley, northern areas of Hermel, as well as parts of Beirut comes with the immediate consequences of hundreds of people killed and injured. People have been displaced in the past months and the wave of forced displacement is even increasing due to the continuous exchange of fire and deliberate attacks in populated areas. Persons with disabilities have been gravely affected by these dynamics, living in inadequate housing, lacking essential services and access to livelihoods and often, during displacement, are left behind.

Date: October 2024

Cluster Munition Monitor 2024

The Cluster Munition Monitor 2024 covers cluster munition ban policy, use, production, transfers, and stockpiling globally; and contains information on developments and challenges in assessing and addressing the impact of cluster munition contamination and casualties through clearance, risk education, and victim assistance. While its principal frame of reference is the Convention on Cluster Munitions, other relevant international law is reviewed, including the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

Date: September 2024

Gaza Humanitarian Snapshot

This document aims to provide a snapshot of the immense obstacles that impede aid delivery in Gaza, with concrete examples from NGOs on the ground. It offers a glimpse into the daily challenges faced by humanitarian workers, made worse by conflict, bombardment and gunfire, and the siege tactics. We aim to complement ongoing reporting from UN agencies and civil society groups to paint a picture of these harsh realities.

Date: July 2024

Disability-Inclusive approaches to climate action Disability-Inclusive approaches to climate action Disability-Inclusive approaches to climate action Disability-Inclusive approaches to climate action

Disability-Inclusive Approaches to Climate Action

While global actors are increasingly recognizing the impacts of climate change on disability, the recognition has not widely translated into concrete, comprehensive, and geography-specific climate policies and initiatives that account for the unique needs of people with disabilities, and in particular, women with disabilities.

Date: June 2024

Rehabilitation matters Rehabilitation matters Rehabilitation matters Rehabilitation matters

Rehabilitation matters

The appeal made by people in conflict-affected areas.

Seven people have shared their experiences of access to rehabilitation and assistive technologies in Colombia, Iraq and the Lao People's Democratic Republic (PDR). Discover their stories and our findings in this report.

Date: May 2024

Escalation of violence and impacts on persons with disabilities and persons with injuries in the West Bank Escalation of violence and impacts on persons with disabilities and persons with injuries in the West Bank Escalation of violence and impacts on persons with disabilities and persons with injuries in the West Bank Escalation of violence and impacts on persons with disabilities and persons with injuries in the West Bank

Escalation of violence and impacts on persons with disabilities and persons with injuries in the West Bank

Since October 7, 2023, violence in the West Bank has escalated sharply, resulting in population displacement, numerous casualties and massive destruction. In this report, we take stock of the impact of the conflict on injured people and people with disabilities in this region.

Date : April 2024

Out of reach Out of reach Out of reach Out of reach

Out of reach

The Impact of Explosive Weapons in Ukraine – Focus on hard-to-reach areas.

The challenges and human impacts in hard-to-reach areas – such as in Kharkiv, Mykolaiv and Kherson Oblasts – exemplify the specific and systematic pattern of harm caused by explosive weapons during and after armed conflicts.

Date: February 2024

Blast Impacts: Looking into the Consequences of Explosive Weapons in Gaza Blast Impacts: Looking into the Consequences of Explosive Weapons in Gaza Blast Impacts: Looking into the Consequences of Explosive Weapons in Gaza Blast Impacts: Looking into the Consequences of Explosive Weapons in Gaza

Blast Impacts: Looking into the Consequences of Explosive Weapons in Gaza

What is the impact of explosions on the physical and mental health of civilians in the Gaza Strip? Here are some answers in this report.

Publication: December 2023

Available in English only

Inclusive education for refugee children with disabilities Inclusive education for refugee children with disabilities Inclusive education for refugee children with disabilities Inclusive education for refugee children with disabilities

Inclusive education for refugee children with disabilities

Recommendations for the global refugee forum.

Refugee children with disabilities have very little access to education. In the camps, they face stigmatization and exclusion, which also limits their access to essential services. Donors and governments must increase funding and strengthen policies to support inclusive education.

Date2023

Always included Always included Always included Always included

Always Included

Uninterrupted education for children with disabilities before, during, and after a crisis.

"Globally, some 72 million children are out of school due to emergencies and protracted crises. Of these, at least 17% are children with disabilities."

Date: November 2023

Disability-inclusive development Disability-inclusive development Disability-inclusive development Disability-inclusive development

Disability-inclusive development

This issue of Au Courant aims to clarify key concepts and help address the issue of inclusive development for people with disabilities in policies and programs.

Date: July 2023

Women and girls with disabilities Women and girls with disabilities Women and girls with disabilities Women and girls with disabilities

Women and girls with disabilities

A briefing paper on ODA at the crossroads of disability and gender.

Date: 2023

Humanity & Inclusion Canada's brief on inclusive sexual and reproductive health and rights for people with disabilities Humanity & Inclusion Canada's brief on inclusive sexual and reproductive health and rights for people with disabilities Humanity & Inclusion Canada's brief on inclusive sexual and reproductive health and rights for people with disabilities Humanity & Inclusion Canada's brief on inclusive sexual and reproductive health and rights for people with disabilities

Inclusive sexual and reproductive health and rights for people with disabilities

To the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development as part of its in-depth study on women's sexual and reproductive health and rights worldwide.

Date: April 2023