UN SECURITY COUNCIL ARRIA FORMULA MEETING ON PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES IN SITUATIONS OF ARMED CONFLICT
STATEMENT DELIVERED BY HARRY AITKEN, COUNSELLOR, PERMANENT MISSION OF AUSTRALIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS
06 December 2024
Chair,
I thank Slovenia and Guyana for convening this meeting and keeping this crucial issue on the international agenda.
The world is facing the highest number of violent conflicts since the Second World War.
Reflecting on the implementation of Resolution 2475 is not only timely, but necessary.
Resolution 2475 was groundbreaking – not only recognising the disproportionate impact of conflict on people with disabilities but also recognising them as agents of change, in all phases of conflict and its consequences.
Importantly, the UN Disability Inclusion Strategy, launched shortly thereafter, reinforced the Resolution’s goals, including to accelerate disability inclusion in peacekeeping and humanitarian action and build staff capacity.
While I acknowledge that progress has been made in taking these commitments forward, it is slow and inconsistent, with devasting impact.
Data shows us people with disability, including in current conflicts, continue to face unacceptably higher risk of injury and death; often cannot access humanitarian assistance, basic services and shelter; and are more often victims of sexual and gender-based violence compared to their peers without disability.
Australia is committed to do better.
Last week, ahead of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Australia launched its new International Disability Equity and Rights Strategy.
Our approach is grounded in the understanding that to achieve peace, stability and prosperity we must support the participation of all.
Disability equity benefits everyone. It contributes to economic growth and builds cohesive, resilient societies.
Australia’s new Humanitarian Policy, launched on 15 October, also recommits Australia to advancing disability equity across our humanitarian efforts, informed by the expertise of people with disability.
We will continue to advocate for a systematic consideration of disability equity in humanitarian coordination, including the Inter-Agency Standing Committee.
As a member of the UN Peacebuilding Commission in 2025-2026, our priorities will include championing inclusive peacebuilding and the protection of all civilians.
People with disability make up 16 per cent of the world’s population, significantly higher in areas affected by conflict.
In a time of constrained resources, it is important to reiterate that disability equity in humanitarian action is not an “add-on” but a critical part of delivering an impartial humanitarian response based on need and is central to the effectiveness of humanitarian assistance and protection.
Thank you.