This paper examines how and why people with disabilities (PWD) should be included in the conflict resolution and peace process. There has only been one case study examining the experiences of persons disabled by war in the peace process. The paper uses this case study, which took place in Sierra Leone. It also draws from literature research, discussions with experts in the international disability community and interviews with practitioners who work in post-conflict countries.
Key Findings:
- The inclusion of persons with disabilities in civil society resolving conflict and peacebuilding initiatives will make a significant contribution in resolving conflict and creating and sustainable peace between communities.
- When disability leaders/NGOs are included in civil society’s conflict resolution and peacebuilding efforts, field practitioners foster the inclusion of all affected populations, which contributes to the successful implementation of peacebuilding initiatives.
- There is a strong incentive for disability leaders/NGOs to support civil society’s efforts to ensure the provision of security and peace because persons with disabilities are disproportionately impacted by civil conflicts through the loss of basic needs and an increase in the numbers of persons with disabilities from combat and civilian casualties.
- Including disability leaders/NGOs in the civil society peacebuilding process increases the effectiveness and innovation of peacebuilding initiatives because disability leaders/NGOs bring key experiences and specific skills that are directly applicable to implementing effective peacebuilding initiatives.
- The fundamental commonality of the experience of disability in all societies is a powerful and successful unifying theme for peacebuilding initiatives across conflict divides.
- A disability-focused, civil society peacebuilding initiative across conflict divides can be successful when initiatives by other civil society actors are not politically tolerated.
Recommendations:
- Encourage a change in view toward people with disabilities from the charity/medical model to the global, all-inclusive model of persons with disabilities as equal participants in the peace process.
- Evaluate the impact of the involvement of persons with disabilities in peacebuilding efforts—both in conflict resolution and in the lives of the individuals with disabilities involved in the peace process.
- Include people with disabilities in conflict resolution and peacebuilding efforts. This step will create both opportunity for the individual to be part of their community and for the community to enjoy the benefit of full inclusion in the conflict resolution process but will also create a shared responsibility between community members with and without disabilities.
