UNDRR: 2023 Global Survey on Persons with Disabilities and Disasters

The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) has released results of the 2023 Global Survey on Persons with Disabilities and Disasters, which is the first global look at how persons with disabilities perceive current national and local disaster risk reduction measures since 2013. 

Persons with disabilities constitute 16 per cent of the world's population, with 80 per cent living in the ‘Global South’. They are frequently the most affected by natural hazards, climate-induced disasters, and global health emergencies.

To understand the progress made in disability inclusion in DRR, the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) conducted the 2023 Global Survey on Persons with Disabilities and Disasters as a follow-up to the 2013 Global Survey.

The results show limited progress in disability inclusion over the past 10 years, with no significant differences across the regions.

For instance, 84 per cent (5,322) of persons with disabilities reported not having a personal preparedness plan for disasters. This was less than in the 2013 survey.

Even with sufficient advance warning 17 per cent (1,098) said they would still face a lot of difficulties evacuating, and 6 per cent (357) would be unable to evacuate independently at all.

Only 11 per cent (708) of persons with disabilities report being aware of DRR plans at national level.

The results of this survey will inform UNDRR's efforts to continue to promote inclusion of persons with disabilities in all aspects of disaster risk reduction, at all levels.

• Explore the survey breakdown and download the full publication here.