Australia thanks the Special Rapporteur for his useful and timely report on the rights of persons with disabilities in the context of military operations.

Too often, people with disabilities are left out of crisis planning, evacuation and humanitarian efforts and can be, as this report describes, “absolutely invisible” in conflict prevention and peacebuilding activities.

As a result, armed conflict and its aftermath have a disproportionately high impact on people with disabilities.

Recent events have highlighted just how dire this situation remains.

Russia’s unilateral, illegal and unprovoked attack on Ukraine has endangered the lives of millions, among them Ukrainians with disabilities who have faced additional barriers seeking assistance and finding safety.

The negative impacts of conflicts currently raging around the world demonstrates the urgent need to progress dialogue in this regard.

Australia is developing a new development policy, articulating how we will play our part in the world in this era of crisis. The policy will be underpinned by the Government’s commitment to address multidimensional vulnerability through ambitious climate action, poverty reduction, human rights, and gender equality, disability and inclusion.

I ask you: What steps can States take to help ensure our approach to development, human rights and humanitarian action is coherent and fully includes persons with disabilities?