Why do disabled people have the highest mortality rate during disasters?
A lack of early warning and information about coming disaster, inaccessible emergency shelters and evacuation points, and disruption to social support systems results in people with disabilities being left behind or abandoned during disasters and conflicts.
Without the safety and protection provided by mobile phones allowing them to connect with humanitarian relief organisations, people with disabilities are vulnerable to isolation, abuse, and exploitation.
During a crisis people with disabilities are the least likely to find shelter, and most likely to be abused or killed.
We empower people with disabilities by sending them free phone top-up credit.
Sending payments directly to the phones of disabled refugees provides the best chance of visibility and protection.
A phone call can reunite disabled refugees with their family and care-givers as soon as possible and alert the humanitarian organisations best suited to support and protect them of their location and needs.
It increases independence and reduces the risks of abuse.