Disability and human mobility: A regional study on the situation of refugees, displaced persons, and migrants with disabilities in Latin America

The Disability and Human Mobility report presents the results of a regional study that provides an overview of the situation and priority needs of refugees, displaced persons and migrants with disabilities in 11 Latin American countries (Colombia, Costa Rica, Chile, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru and Venezuela). The study covers the gaps and challenges faced by States and humanitarian organizations and shows the barriers and protection risks faced by persons with disabilities during the different stages of displacement, from leaving their country of origin to future expectations. It also provides some insights into the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on persons with disabilities. It contributes to the development of a roadmap with regional protection capacities that will help strengthen the inclusion of persons with disabilities on the move in the policies and plans of States and humanitarian organizations.

For this study, a total of 744 persons with disabilities, family members and/or members of their support networks, as well as governmental and humanitarian actors were consulted through interviews, focus groups, life stories and a regional online survey.

This regional study was carried out by organizations that represent persons with disabilities, led by the Latin American Network of Non-Governmental Organizations of Persons with Disabilities and their Families (RIADIS) and carried out jointly with Coalition Mexico for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (COAMEX), Mexico; Society and Disability (SODIS), Peru; and Humanity&Inclusion, Colombia, with support from the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR).

The results of the report are available in English and Spanish.