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World Falling Short on Inclusion for People with Disabilities, Says UN Deputy Chief
Although people with disabilities make up around 16% of the global population, they continue to face significant health disparities, including increased rates of premature death, poorer health outcomes, and elevated risks of disease compared to the general public.
In a video address to the Global Disability Summit in Berlin on Monday, United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed stressed the urgent need to support persons with disabilities. “Providing opportunities for people with disabilities is a matter of dignity, humanity, and human rights,” she said. “It speaks to our shared values — and to simple common sense.”
Conflict Zones Pose Unique Risks
Mohammed highlighted the extreme vulnerability of people with disabilities living in conflict zones, pointing to Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan as examples. She cited alarming statistics from Gaza, where the number of child amputees is now the highest recorded in modern history.
“In war zones, people with disabilities often face inaccessible evacuation routes, emergency shelters, and basic services,” she said. “This is a direct assault on their human rights and dignity.”
She shared the poignant story of Mai, a young Palestinian woman in Gaza with muscular dystrophy who worked as a software developer for the UN. Despite using a wheelchair, Mai excelled academically and pursued her dreams with determination. Tragically, in November 2023, Mai and her family were killed during the conflict. “Her story still weighs heavily on our hearts,” Mohammed added.
A Question of Rights, Not Charity
The rights of persons with disabilities are formally protected under the 2006 Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, considered the first major human rights treaty of the 21st century. The agreement spells out how universal human rights apply to people with disabilities and outlines necessary adaptations to ensure equal access and participation.
While nearly 90% of developing countries have adopted laws or policies supporting education for children with disabilities, only about one-third have schools that are physically accessible. Similarly, half of people with disabilities in these countries report that public transportation is inaccessible.
“Behind these numbers are real lives,” said Mohammed. “Children locked out of schools. Adults unable to reach their workplaces. Families cut off from crucial services. This must change — and we all have a role to play.”
Global Commitment to Inclusion
The 2025 Global Disability Summit, taking place from April 2–3 in Berlin, is expected to bring together over 4,000 participants. Hosted by the governments of Germany and Jordan, along with the International Disability Alliance, the summit aims to advance global efforts toward disability inclusion.
A key outcome of the summit will be the release of the “Amman-Berlin Declaration on Global Disability Inclusion,” which is expected to reaffirm international commitments and push for actionable change.
As humanitarian crises continue to affect millions, including more than 1.9 million displaced in Gaza alone, the summit serves as a crucial reminder: real inclusion requires more than promises — it demands meaningful action.
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