Side Events - UNDESA Division for Inclusive Social Development
Indigenous persons with disabilities – challenges and opportunities posed by environmental change
Climate and environmental damage, as well as climate action, pose specific challenges for persons with disabilities, and indigenous peoples. Indigenous peoples suffer disproportionately from loss of biological diversity and environmental degradation. Both mental and physical health of indigenous persons are affected by environmental degradation, toxic waste and forced migration, causing mental and physical disability. Persons with disabilities within indigenous communities are especially vulnerable in cases of extreme weather events and climate disaster. At the same time, the need for climate action impose upon states an obligation to implement welfare services for persons with disabilities, in a sustainable manner. The side event will shed light upon how welfare services can be customized to the needs of indigenous disabled persons, in respect of their spiritual connection to land, nature and traditional knowledge.