Persons with disability living in the arid and semi-arid counties of our nation contend with a unique set of challenges and obstacles heightened by the effects of climate change.
Their experiences emphasise the intersection of environmental and social justice, making it imperative that we address their plight in the face of climate change.
The effects of climate change, including prolonged droughts, rising temperatures and other extreme weather events like floods and storms, are taking a toll on the ASAL regions, which are already experiencing strained resources.
This has resulted in severe shortages of food and water, escalating the risk of resultant conflicts, increased poverty and displacements. It is the PwDs who frequently find themselves at the intersection of these challenges.
Climate change certainly exerts a negative influence on a broad spectrum of human rights. However, it is crucial to recognise that persons with disability often encounter these impacts more severely. For instance, in emergencies, PwDs face elevated rates of illness and mortality. Regrettably, they also face significant barriers in accessing essential emergency assistance and support.
According to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights report on advancing and safeguarding the rights of individuals with disability in the context of climate change, PwDs face heightened vulnerability to the negative consequences of climate change due to a range of social and economic factors.
Poverty, discrimination and stigmatisation are significant elements that influence the susceptibility of persons with disabilities to the impacts of climate change.
Climate change manifests its impact on PWDs in ASAL counties in multiple ways. It impedes their mobility and presents evacuation difficulties during extreme weather events. Healthcare access becomes challenging for them when climate-related disasters disrupt healthcare systems.
PwDs, who are already at risk, face acute malnutrition, lack of food and, most of the time, instant death. Access to education is hindered as climate-related events damage schools and disrupt academic schedules, causing students with disability to miss out on their education.
Communication and information gaps also increase their vulnerabilities, with PwDs having trouble receiving timely and accurate information during climate emergencies. These difficulties leave them unaware of impending dangers, rendering them unprepared to protect themselves.
Further, discrimination and stigma, which PWDs often face, intensify during crises, as they may be overlooked, marginalized, or even neglected during disaster response and recovery efforts.
Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach that acknowledges the intersection of disability and climate change in ASAL counties. There is an urgent need to develop communication and information strategies and train first responders to be disability sensitive.
Focus has to be made to have specialised healthcare and rehabilitation services to cater to the unique needs of PwDs, especially during disasters. These services should include accessible healthcare before and after climatic disasters and a consistent supply of necessary medication and assistive devices.
Besides this, it is imperative to raise awareness on the reduction of stigma against PwDs. This will only be achieved by emphasising that PwDs have unique needs and should not be marginalised during climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts. In any case, they must be put at the forefront of climate action.
Climate change undeniably affects PwDs more than the general population by amplifying their existing challenges. To create a more resilient future, Kenya must adopt an extensive approach that recognises the intersection of disability and climate change.
This involves inclusive disaster preparedness, healthcare, education and access to essential resources. In a world where climate change poses a significant threat to human rights, no one should be left behind, especially the most vulnerable.
We must acknowledge the struggles of PwDs in ASALs and take concrete steps towards a more equitable and inclusive response to the challenges of climate change. Their active participation in climate action is essential for crafting solutions that effectively address their unique challenges.
The national and county governments, NGOs and CVOs should consistently emphasise the importance of upholding the rights of persons with disability as an integral component in effective climate action-related forums and other relevant arenas, such as the high-level policy forums on sustainable development.