Haiti | Caribbean

Political, social and economic participation of people with disabilities | Haiti

Violent conflict is a daily occurrence in Haiti. In addition, the small island nation is regularly hit by natural disasters such as earthquakes or hurricanes. These circumstances represent an additional challenge for people with disabilities in coping with their already difficult daily lives. The project focuses on strengthening their rights and enabling them to participate in social life. Campaign work, advocacy, economic initiatives and the development of structures to integrate people with disabilities into society are crucial.

The project

Project title: Strengthening the political, social and economic participation of people with disabilities in exercising their rights in Haiti
Project country: Haiti
Financing: Federal Ministry for Economic Development and Cooperation (BMZ) and ASB’s own resources. Partner organisations are the Haiti Mental Health Initiative, Engagement, Participation and Capacities (ENPAK) and the Organisation for Counselling, Education and Research on Accessibility and Inclusion
Project volume: € 1,111,111.00
Project duration: 15/11/2021 to 14/07/2024
Target group: 2,560 direct beneficiaries in the four departments of the country (people with disabilities and their families)

People with disabilities are often perceived as victims in Haiti, a group that is discriminated against by Haiti’s majority society and has no voice. International humanitarian aid and cooperation does “support” people with disabilities, but they are mostly marginalised from society. National laws and existing international conventions intended to facilitate equal participation and integration, are rarely implemented. This situation is aggravated by the very high risk of earthquakes or floods in Haiti. The poor (food) supply, security and health situation disproportionately affects people with disabilities in particular.

How the ASB is helping in Haiti

Raising awareness and advocacy through communication, cultural, recreational and sporting activities and visibility

Together with local partner organisations, the ASB is implementing an awareness and education campaign. It is played out via digital platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and traditional media and is aimed at the general population as well as public, social and private institutions. The aim is to make society more aware of how the everyday lives of people with disabilities plays out, to break down barriers and to promote inclusion. Another part of this project is the holding of public cultural and sporting events (sport for the disabled) in which people with disabilities play the leading role.

Participation and self-representation of the interests and rights of people with disabilities and their organisations

People with disabilities are becoming active in networks and round table meetings in order to express their interests and to be actively involved in social life. This not only enables inclusion, but also integrates it into development plans, programmes and projects such as the Sendai Framework for Disaster Reduction and Sustainable Development Goals (2015-2030). Representatives of organisations working to support for people with disabilities are sensitised regarding their tasks and of the representation of the interests of people with disabilities. A nationwide platform is being created to network and better coordinate lobbying activities. A particular focus here is on the development of a guideline to removing barriers.

Integrating people with disabilities into the labour market

People with disabilities must be enabled to find employment. This employment must provide them with a certain income. This requires the development of structures and initiatives that create jobs for people with disabilities. For this purpose, managers are trained who learn everything about the organisation and structure of a (social) enterprise, develop a business plan to put their knowledge into practice. In cooperation with local partner organisations, people with disabilities are also taught in sign language or Braille to promote their integration into the labour market.