The United Nations has warned that 2.7 million Ukrainians with disabilities have had their lives put in danger by the Russian invasion that began almost 2 months ago.
In a statement the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities warned that disabled people faced extra dangers due to their lack of mobility, frequently lower access to money, and their need to access specialist equipment, such as respirators and oxygen.
The statement reads:
"There are ongoing reports that many people with disabilities, including children, are trapped or abandoned in their homes, residential care institutions and orphanages, with no access to life-sustaining medications, oxygen supplies, food, water, sanitation, support for daily living and other basic facilities."
It also said disabled people:
"Have limited or no access to emergency information, shelters and safe havens, and many have been separated from their support networks."
Oleksandr Nikulin, a disabled Ukrainian man who now assists disabled refugees told Insider magazine of the difficulties disabled Ukrainians face, saying:
"Transporting refugees with disabilities often require a lot of special tools, knowledgeable workers, and accessible accommodations, which can be expensive. Many of the organizations catering to refugees are not equipped to deal with refugees with disabilities."
4.8 million people, mostly women and children, but also the disabled male and elderly population, have become refugees since the war began and there have been several reported incidents of Russian forces bombing specialist care centres, hospitals and care-homes which house some of Ukraine’s disabled population.
Anna Kaminski, a volunteer on the Ukraine-Poland border, told Insider that she hadn't:
"Seen any special provisions being made for the arrivals of elderly or disabled people."
However, it is hoped that as pressure somewhat alleviates from the West of the country due to Russia’s withdrawal from around Kyiv, that a more substantial and co-ordinated relief effort can be put in place that better caters for disabled Ukrainians both fleeing the country and remaining within Ukraine itself.
[Based on reporting by: Business Insider]
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