Giles Duley, the outgoing UN Global Advocate for Persons with Disabilities in Conflict and Peacebuilding Situations, has expressed his disappointment and frustration over the lack of progress in supporting people with disabilities in conflict zones. In an interview with UN News, Duley stated that the system has failed to provide adequate support to individuals with disabilities, leaving them vulnerable and often forgotten in crisis situations.
Duley, a renowned British photographer and advocate, has spent decades documenting the lives of people affected by conflict and humanitarian crises. He has witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, including lack of access to basic necessities like toilets, shelter, and medical care. Despite his efforts to raise awareness and push for policy change, Duley feels that his mission has not been fully realized.
The advocate cited several examples of individuals he has met during his work, including a woman named Nawali, who was forced to crawl to safety in Chad after her village was attacked and her wheelchair was smashed. He also spoke about Julia, a young woman with cerebral palsy who was left to fend for herself in eastern Ukraine after her parents were detained. These stories highlight the need for greater support and inclusion of people with disabilities in conflict and peacebuilding situations.
Duley emphasized that disability is not a monolithic experience and that people with mental health conditions and invisible disabilities face distinct risks. He also stressed the importance of wheelchair accessibility, but noted that it is only one part of true inclusion. The advocate called on world leaders to recognize the needs of individuals with disabilities and provide them with equal opportunities for self-empowerment.
As Duley passes on the mantle of UN Global Advocate, he leaves behind a legacy of advocacy and awareness-raising. His message to world leaders is one of equal opportunities and support for individuals with disabilities. With his own experience of recovery and rehabilitation, Duley hopes that his work will inspire change and ensure that everyone has the same opportunities he had. The international community must now take concrete steps to address the needs of people with disabilities in conflict and peacebuilding situations, and work towards creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for all.