Civilians with disabilities caused by the armed conflict in Yemen

Evaluating the impact of disability and related accessibility problems through documented field cases

Policy Brief

The community of persons with disabilities has been suffering since before the conflict. Their suffering has intensified after that, as many previously available services have been affected. The conflict and the conduct of its parties has led to the formation of a new community of persons with disabilities. This policy brief sheds light on this new community, and highlights the ways in which civilians with disabilities have been harmed due to the use of explosive weapons by the parties to the conflict in violation of international law.

This policy brief discusses the psychological, social and economic impacts that wounded civilians with disabilities resulting from the armed conflict in Yemen experience. It highlights their suffering, needs and the aggravated obstacles they face, besides the limited support available to them. The paper also discusses their personal agency in adapting to the new normal. Finally, the paper offers practical recommendations and suggestions on the ways in which different actors can support persons with disabilities in a sustainable and sustained manner.