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Disabled People in Conflicts and Wars

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Disability in the Global South

Abstract

This chapter begins by situating a narrow public health focus in medical humanitarianism despite the changing nature of conflicts. We argue that such an approach misses existing populations of disabled people, which has consequences for reintegration and social protection. Secondly, we examine how indirect impairments result from sites of vulnerability during and post-conflict. Thirdly, we illustrate the long-term consequences of conflict and where action is needed. In conclusion, we use a case-study to examine the potential of inclusion as a resource for peace but also show why this approach currently has limitations.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    Fieldwork notes, Sierra Leone, 2011.

  2. 2.

    The CRPD contains 50 articles. Article 11 makes specific reference to international humanitarian and human rights law to ensure the protection of persons with disabilities during situations of risk, such as armed conflicts or humanitarian emergencies.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to thank the reviewers for their detailed editing and helpful comments.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of York, York, UK

    Maria Berghs

  2. Balamand University, Koura, Lebanon

    Nawaf Kabbara

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  1. Maria Berghs
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  2. Nawaf Kabbara
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Correspondence to Maria Berghs .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Centre for Global Disability Research, The Critical Institute, Attard, Malta

    Shaun Grech

  2. Institute for Culture and Society, Western Sydney University, New South Wales, Australia

    Karen Soldatic

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Berghs, M., Kabbara, N. (2016). Disabled People in Conflicts and Wars. In: Grech, S., Soldatic, K. (eds) Disability in the Global South. International Perspectives on Social Policy, Administration, and Practice. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-42488-0_17

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-42488-0_17

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  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-42488-0

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