The double hazards of climate change and the Covid-19 pandemic and their impacts are twice as much difficult on Indigenous Peoples. With the high rate of poverty and inaccessibility of basic social services, plus consequences of destructive projects being implemented in their territories, the burden is unmistakably challenging. What more for Indigenous Peoples with disabilities who are generally discriminated, marginalized and underrepresented in socio-political and economic concerns and issues?
The Covid-19 cases in South Asia Region continue to increase with death rates rising in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. In Nepal, the Ministry of Health and Population had confirmed mortality cases as early as the first quarter of 2020 and to date has registered more than 7,000 deaths despite the country-wide lockdown to stem the outbreak in the country last year. Alongside this are environmental disturbances such as rising temperatures and unpredictable rain patterns that so badly affect people’s livelihoods.
In the midst of continuing havoc wrought by environmental and health crisis, Indigenous Peoples with disabilities in Nepal continue to organize themselves. The inspiring experience of the National Indigenous Disabled Women Association of Nepal (NIDWAN) illustrates how an organization is mainstreaming the issue of disability within the Indigenous Peoples’ movement where they are addressing accessibility to services, funds and support, livelihood rights. They are amplifying the need for representation, awareness, and inclusion in all levels of policy and decision-making.
In response to the COVID 19 pandemic, NIDWAN acted to protect and/ or assist indigenous persons with disabilities. They submitted reports to five UN Special Rapporteurs and undertook relief and recovery work. The essence of inclusion of Indigenous Peoples with disabilities within the indigenous movement is ensuring their meaningful representation first, then, understanding the issue of disability. Ensuring inclusion refers to funds, support and programs for persons with disabilities in all events.
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