DHAKA, Nov 19, 2024 (BSS)- Country Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)Masaki Watabe today called for greater efforts to eliminate discrimination and stigma against gender-diverse populations to ensure equitable access to humanitarian aid.

“Girls and young women with disabilities are at higher risks of exploitation, violence and abuse during disasters, (while) their mortality rate is two to four times higher than that of persons without disabilities,” he said. 
Watabe made the remarks at a Strategic Dialogue on Inclusive Humanitarian Preparedness and Response. The event, organized by UNFPA in collaboration with the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), took place at a hotel in the city.

Regarding UNFPA's efforts, he noted that the organization provides targeted disaster relief for marginalized gender-diverse groups, including the hijra (third gender) community, but acknowledged that “more needs to be done.”

The dialogue gathered government officials, UN agencies, international and national NGOs, civil society, academia, and representatives of organizations working with persons with disabilities and gender-diverse groups. 

Discussions focused on the need for inclusive disaster preparedness and response, emphasizing support for marginalized populations such as persons with disabilities, gender-diverse individuals, and adolescent girls.

Key recommendations from the dialogue aimed to ensure the inclusion of gender-diverse groups, persons with disabilities, and adolescent girls in humanitarian programs, safeguarding their sexual and reproductive health (SRH) rights and protecting them from violence. 

These recommendations are expected to shape the development of more inclusive and gender-responsive policies and practices in Bangladesh, with a focus on placing the most vulnerable populations at the center of disaster preparedness and response efforts.

The Asia-Pacific region, known as the world’s most disaster-prone area, accounts for nearly 45% of global disasters. 

Bangladesh, ranked as the seventh most disaster-prone country globally and highly susceptible to climate change impacts, faces significant challenges in providing effective and inclusive humanitarian responses.

Participants at the dialogue highlighted the disproportionately higher risks faced by vulnerable groups during disasters and emphasized the need for humanitarian programs to adapt to their specific needs. 

Despite progress in overall disaster risk management in Bangladesh, the most vulnerable segments of society continue to be excluded from disaster planning and response efforts, increasing their risk of harm, exploitation, and limited access to essential services during crises, they observed.  

The event was attended by representatives from various ministries, UN agencies, international and national NGOs, civil society organizations, academia, and organizations advocating for persons with disabilities and gender-diverse populations.