The European Disability Forum (EDF) and the National Assembly of People with Disabilities of Ukraine (NADP) have sent a letter addressed to the European Commissioner for Equality, Helena Dalli concerning the situation of persons with disabilities both in Ukraine and who have left to seek refuge in neighbouring countries.
In the letter, both organisations ask Commissioner Dalli to discuss:
- EU actions to support children and adults with disabilities in the Ukraine war
- EU coordinated and inclusive response to the refugee inflow of persons with disabilities
- Humanitarian aid for safety and protection of Ukrainians with disabilities staying in the country.
There are 2.7 million persons with disabilities registered in Ukraine and their situation is appalling. For example, shelters in Kyiv are inaccessible, so persons with disabilities are forced to stay at home, not knowing where they can go to be safe. Persons with disabilities living in institutions, already cut off from their communities, risk being abandoned and forgotten.
Additionally, the exact numbers of people arriving in neighbouring countries are unknown, but by 16 March, at the Ministerial Meeting, the Polish government said that at least 150,000 of people who had arrived in Poland were persons with disabilities. There is currently a lot of evidence of reception centres border crossings being inaccessible, persons with disabilities being invisible and therefore their requirements not being identified and met.
EDF continues to work with the NADP and all its members and partners coordinating assistance and providing support as well as with donors and members on funding such support.
More information
- EDF statement on the protection and safety of persons with disabilities in Ukraine
- Appeal from the National Assembly of People with Disabilities of Ukraine
- Information for Ukrainians arriving in the European Union
Інформація для громадян України, які прибувають до Європейського союзу - How to donate to support persons with disabilities in Ukraine
- Useful resources for persons with disabilities in Ukraine and those fleeing the conflict
How you can help and latest news on the situation can be found in our dedicated page on the Ukraine war below