Addressing disabilities during disaster is a ‘complex’ issue, says Saima Wazed Hossain

The diverse needs of people with different types of disabilities makes addressing the issue ‘complex’ during any disaster, Saima Wazed Hossain, who spearheads a disability campaign in Bangladesh, has said.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Dhaka Conference on Disability and Disaster Risk Management on Saturday, she sought the support of all in this regard.

This is the first global meet after the adoption of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030.

This conference from Dec 12 to Dec 14 is fundamental for future discussions on the inclusion of disability in disaster risk management.

Saima, daughter of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, is the chairperson of the National Advisory Committee on Autism and a Member of WHO’s Expert Advisory Panel on Mental Health.

She said the government had already included disabilities in the disaster management law, yet “we could not resolve many of the problems they (disabled) face”.

“But we are listening to you (people with disabilities) which is the first step towards addressing your problems.”

She urged the participants -- persons with disabilities -- to speak out about their needs at the conference, which will adopt a ‘Dhaka Declaration’ at the end.

Bangladesh government with the support of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR) has organised the conference.

Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Mofazzal Hossain Chowdhury inaugurated the conference.

Saima said people with disabilities suffer most during disasters, which leads to new disabilities.

The needs are different, she said.

For example, she said, those who cannot hear a siren need one kind of support while those on a wheelchair need a different type of support during evacuation in any calamity.

Those with neurodevelopment disorders like autism cannot even express their need.

“We have to consider all those perspectives and listen to their needs,” she said.

A book titled ‘Crises, conflict and disability, ensuring equality’ which was globally launched last year was also inaugurated at the opening ceremony.

It contains a write-up of Saima on Bangladesh’s perspectives.

Dr Valerie Lynn Karr, editor of the book, said people with disabilities have “heterogeneous needs”.

“One size does not fit all,” she said, adding that people with disabilities have the right to be treated equally and programmes should be designed accordingly.

At least 400 participants from 22 countries are participating in the conference.

State Minister for Women and Children Affairs Meher Afroz Chumki, Chief of Advocacy and Outreach Section of UNISDR Dr Jerry Velasquez, and President of the National Forum of Organisations Working with the Disabled (NFOWD) Saidul Huq spoke at the function, among others.