People with disabilities are the most vulnerable to climate change
Bangladesh is one of the countries vulnerable to disaster and climate change. People with disabilities are most at risk here.
A concerted effort is necessary to get out of this situation. The speakers discussed the ‘Persons with Disabilities, Inclusive Disaster Risk Management Project’ during a briefing meeting held on December 20, 2023.
At the Lake Castle Hotel meeting in Dhaka, the speakers emphasized the need for the government to enhance its ability to receive funding from the ‘Climate Change Trust Fund’.
Dr. Md Enamur Rahman, the State Minister of the Disaster Management and Relief Ministry, stated that multipurpose accessible rescue boats have been built in disaster-affected areas as part of the social security program, which has increased capacity for disability inclusion.
“People with disabilities are now included in laws, policies, and plans for disaster risk reduction and climate change. But we have to take more initiatives for their effective implementation,” he added.
The meeting was held under the chairmanship of Access Bangladesh Foundation Chairperson Mahua Pal and moderated by Executive Director Albert Mollah.
Albert Molla said in the program, “Bangladesh is one of the countries at risk of disasters and climate change. Project two will play a significant role in reducing the risk for disabled people.”
Dilruba Akhter, Deputy Director of the Department of Environment, emphasized the importance of enhancing coordination among NGOs and increasing their capacity to utilize the government’s “Climate Change Trust Fund” for disability-inclusive disaster risk reduction activities.
According to CBM Global Disability Inclusion-Bangladesh Country Director Mushfiqul Wara, CBM has made important contributions to disability-inclusive disaster management through the “Gaibandha Model” ‘ and the ‘Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction Hands-on Tool App’. In the coming days, CBM will work with the organizers of disabled people on a larger scale in this regard.”
