Sightsavers launches COVID-19 disability rights petition

Ali Bough, Sightsavers’ communications and public engagement manager, said: “The needs of people with disabilities must be prioritised in national responses to the pandemic. People with disabilities already often exist on the periphery of their communities, their full inclusion into society hindered by a variety of barriers and widespread discrimination. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic will be devastating if the specific needs of people with disabilities are not met by national governments.

“The Irish government can use its influence as a member state of the United Nations to push for the global response to COVID-19 to be inclusive of people with disabilities, and with the help of our campaign supporters we can make this happen. We are calling upon the global community to stand up for the rights of people with disabilities and urge the world’s leaders to ensure the needs of people with disabilities are not neglected in the face of the huge challenges of responding to the pandemic.”

Sightsavers is also part of the inclusion campaign led by the International Disability Alliance and the International Disability and Development Consortium, which is highlighting the experiences of people with disabilities and has seen progress towards vital information being more widely available in accessible formats.

Take action: sign the Equal World COVID-19 petition