The COVID-19 pandemic is disproportionately affecting persons with disabilities, who are often invisible, excluded, and more at risk of feeling the shocks from weak health, basic services and social protection systems. The response to this crisis must, therefore, consider the pre-existing marginalization, discrimination, exclusion, and inequalities of persons with disabilities to ensure that they are not even further left behind.

This global joint programme leverages the experience of 9 UN agencies, organizations of persons with disabilities and broader civil society to support countries and other global initiatives to incorporate a strong disability inclusive perspective to COVID-19 response and recovery.

The programme will work closely with 20-30 country teams and will expand its outreach to other countries through the generation of guidance and practical tools.