Archive for category: disability and poverty

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Multidimensional Disability and Poverty in Tonga

Disability and Poverty in TongaIn Tonga, about 88% of the population depends mainly on agriculture and fisheries. As a country made of many islands, limited resources as a result of changing weather patterns have furthered poverty. The changing climate has led to coastal degradation and increasingly violent cyclones, which greatly affect the economic resources that the population of Tonga relies on. Violent storms also disproportionately affect people with disabilities due to the difficulties they experience with evacuation. Multidimensional disability and poverty in Tonga, especially among rural areas and children, continually become more prevalent as an issue due to the effects of a changing climate.

Poverty in Tonga 

In Tonga, 75% of the population lives in Tongatapu, but the four other island groups, Vava’u, Ha’apai, Eua and Ongo Niua, face much higher levels of multidimensional poverty. Multidimensional poverty evaluates poverty along the lines of monetary poverty, education and basic infrastructure services. A 2018 report showed that, among adult poverty, there is a 25% difference between Tongatapu urban and the other islands. In children, there is a 19% difference.

Children in Tonga are also more likely to be in poverty. As of 2026, about a quarter of children in Tonga live in multidimensional poverty. Most of these children are in rural communities. More specifically, about 25.3% of children in Tonga don’t have sufficient access to nutrition, healthcare, education, clean water and adequate housing.

‘Eua has the highest childhood poverty with 48.9%, followed by Ha’Apai with 40.8% and Ongo Niea with 35%. Due to the size of the islands, reduced coastlines and violent storms impact them even more, causing their resources to be depleted and therefore their economy to suffer.

Disability in Tonga

Disability and multidimensional poverty in Tonga have very close ties. Based on a survey that the Tonga Statistics Department did in 2018, 2.8% of the population have disabilities in Tonga. The U.N. and WHO estimate the percentage to be much higher at about 10%. This is likely because the 2018 survey did not account for “mild impairments.” The results were also likely unreliable due to the social stigma against disabilities in Tonga, meaning several people likely did not take the survey. The most prevalent recorded cause for disability was illness, with about 30% of survey takers, in both urban and rural areas, reporting disability from illness.

People with disabilities often face additional challenges when preparing for emergencies and disasters. While about 81% of people with disabilities understand the need to evacuate, there are still issues for people with disability-inclusive disaster preparation, evacuation support and accessible shelters. Additionally, assistive devices that many people with disabilities rely on have to be abandoned during evacuation.

Progress Being Made

Government agencies and nonprofit organizations are working to reduce multidimensional poverty and support people with disabilities and Tonga. Within the Tonga government, The National Multiple Overlapping Deprivation Analysis (N-MODA), first conducted in 2019 and available on the UNICEF website, is a report that the Ministry of Internal Affairs and UNICEF Pacific made possible, as well as preparation support from the Social Policy Research Institute. The goal of this report is to provide a benchmark for evaluating progress along Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) guidelines. The country has dedicated itself to addressing multidimensional poverty, specifically among children.

Additionally, the Pacific Disability Forum, intended to advocate for equity and inclusion for people with disabilities, has made moves to place importance on people with disabilities, calling on stakeholders to work closely with organizations of persons with disabilities such as the Tonga National Visual Impairment Association (TNVIA), the Tongan National Disability Council (TNDC), Lavame’a Ta’e’iloa Disabled People’s Association (LATA) and Naunau ‘o e ‘Alamaite Tonga Association (NATA).

Outside of this forum, there are several nonprofits working to help multidimensional poverty and disability in Tonga. One of these groups is CARE International which has been in Tonga since 2019 in order to help communities to prepare for natural disasters. CARE has several programs around the world and encourages its involved members to focus on two main takeaways, being involved in short-term in activities and being involved in the long-term shift in people’s lives. In 2025, it reached 12,762 people struggling in Tonga. With organizations like CARE International, the damaging effects of multidimensional poverty and inequalities for people with disability are reducing.

Looking Ahead

Poverty informs disability in many ways. Access to appropriate care may not be possible due to multidimensional poverty factors. Accessible infrastructure makes living with disabilities much more difficult. Multidimensional poverty in Tonga, especially among children and in rural areas, persists due to the dependency on agriculture for the majority of the population. Severe storms and reduced coastlines due to the changing climate make an agricultural-based economy fragile and, therefore, more difficult to rise out of poverty. Recognition of the problem is the first step in improving the living conditions of impoverished people and people with disabilities.

– Arden Schultz

Arden is based in Milford, MI, USA and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Disability and Poverty in Vanuatu: 5 Initiatives To Combat the Crisis

Disability and Poverty in VanuatuVanuatu, a small island country in the South Pacific, suffers from severe poverty rates, especially among the disabled community. Women and children suffer the most in terms of disability and inequality. 

Disability and poverty in Vanuatu have widened the economic gap; without access to the proper education or special needs to navigate the world, poverty rates continue to rise. Organizations and government initiatives are emerging to bridge the gap between the disabled and the rest of society.

Economic Background of Vanuatu

Vanuatu is a lower- to middle-income island country that has experienced declining economic growth in recent years—5.8% economic growth in 2023, 1% growth in 2024 and 1.5% growth in 2025. Statistics show a low school attendance rate with only 52% attending junior secondary school and 26% showing up for senior secondary school. Child labor is a frequent problem in the country as well, as a large portion of kids between the ages of 5 and 17 have been exploited for it. The poverty rate in Vanuatu is roughly 19.50%, which is the equivalent of $3 USD. The multi-dimensional poverty rate is at a stark 27.31%. 

The types of disabilities the people experience are often more along the lines of learning disabilities, issues with reading and writing, and mathematical calculations. Children often drop out of school as a result of not having glasses to see properly. Here are five initiatives that are addressing disability and poverty in Vanuatu.

1. Vanuatu Skills Partnership (VSP)

The Vanuatu Skills Partnership (VSP) is an initiative that helps students with disabilities gain access to programs that cater to their specific needs, while providing targeted support for each career path. The Partnership works closely with the Ministry of Education to develop programs such as disability specific education programs and new skills policies, giving providers the ability to qualify individuals for training programs. The program also offers sign language training to better assist the deaf community. The program offers a renewed chance for people in the disabled community to live meaningful lives and contribute to the economy and society. Individuals with disabilities who were prevented from success in the past are finding renewed opportunities in tourism, farming, food distribution, construction and business investments.

2. Vanuatu Disability Promotion & Advocacy Association (VDPA)

Established in 1999, this organization serves as the primary advocacy group for the disabled community. Despite the United Nations’ ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), Vanuatu still struggles to implement effective programs. With the VDPA, advocacy has continued to grow over the years since this ratification. It has been able to provide capacity building that strengthens disability organizations across the country, and the organization partners with the VSP to create collaborative approaches to disability programs. It also spreads awareness to change attitudes and remove barriers already in place.

3. Vanuatu Society for People With Disability (VSPD)

The Vanuatu Society for People with Disability (VSPD) offers access programs so that people with disabilities have easier access to their rights, specific services and opportunities to be able to contribute and support their society. The VSPD also supports advocating for community-based inclusive development, which also supports both boys and girls within the community, and also bridges gender gaps in the country’s disability problem. With the nation’s National Gender Equality Policy (NGEP), the VSPD focuses on contributing to the end of violence and discrimination against women and girls. The VSPD has a strong partnership with NGOs and government agencies, including Save the Children, Oxfam, CARE and World Vision, to assist with implementing their vision and breaking down the barriers for the disabled community.

4. VSPD and VDPA Partnership – Strategic Plans for 2024–2029

In 2025, the VSPD and VAPD partnered to develop a strategic set of plans for the years 2024 to 2029 to strengthen and further their disability advocacy programs. The plans are set to fully implement the National Disability-Inclusive Development Policy, which aims to fully remove the barriers for the disabled, and the Inclusive Education Policy, to align with the United Nations CRPD.

5. Provincial Disability Officers and Committees

The Ministry of Justice and Community Services partnered with the VSP to put disability officers and committees in highly populated parts of Vanuatu. The officers work with committees to ensure these programs are properly implemented and that the proper resources are available to create success for the national mission.

Looking Ahead

These initiatives have taken steps to alleviate disability and poverty in Vanuatu, advancing its target to addressing their poverty issues and human rights advancement. 

– Benjamin Elland

Benjamin is based in East Lansing, MI, USA and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Disability and Poverty in the Marshall Islands

Disability and Poverty in the Marshall IslandsThe Republic of the Marshall Islands faces significant challenges related to poverty, geographic isolation and climate vulnerability. For people with disabilities, these challenges often create additional barriers to education, employment and health care. Disability and poverty in the Marshall Islands remain closely connected, making it difficult for many individuals to achieve economic stability and independence.

Link Between Disability and Poverty

The Republic of the Marshall Islands consists of 29 coral atolls and five islands in the North Pacific and has a population of about 40,000 people. The country’s government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights of people with disabilities through policies that promote inclusion and equal opportunities. 

A 2024 United Nations survey of 308 people with disabilities found that many continue to face significant barriers to employment and accessibility. About 85% of those surveyed were unemployed, with respondents citing inaccessible workplaces, limited workplace accommodations and discrimination by employers as major obstacles. The report also noted that noncommunicable diseases, particularly diabetes, have contributed to disabilities such as amputations and vision loss. In addition, the long-term effects of nuclear testing continue to affect some Marshallese, creating ongoing health challenges and highlighting the need for continued international support.

The government and local disability advocates have also worked to increase public awareness. In partnership with the College of Marshall Islands, the Disability Coordination Office and the Marshall Islands Disabled Persons Organization recently organized a community “wheel-a-thon” to promote disability inclusion and increase visibility for people with disabilities.

Barriers to Education and Employment

Education plays a critical role in reducing poverty. However, children with disabilities often encounter barriers that limit their participation in school. Some schools lack accessible infrastructure, while others have limited resources to support students in diverse learning needs. 

Employment opportunities also remain limited. A 2024 survey of persons with disabilities in the Marshall Islands found that approximately 85% of respondents were unemployed. Respondents identified inaccessible workplaces, employer bias and a lack of accommodations as major obstacles to finding work. 

Without access to education and employment opportunities, many people with disabilities remain dependent on family support or government assistance. This cycle can contribute to long-term poverty and social exclusion. 

Government Efforts to Promote Inclusion 

The Marshall Islands government has taken important steps to improve opportunities for people with disabilities. In 2015, the country enacted the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act. The law promotes disability inclusive development and seeks to protect the rights of people with disabilities in areas such as education, employment and public services.

The government also established a Disability Coordination Office to help implement disability related policies and programs. Recent efforts have focused on improving accessibility, increasing participation in public life, and strengthening support services.

In 2025, the government expanded social protection initiatives through the Social Support Scheme Act. The program provides income support to elderly citizens and persons with disabilities, helping vulnerable populations meet basic needs. Eligible beneficiaries receive at least $1,200 annually through the program.

The Role of the Marshall Islands Disabled Persons Organization 

The Marshall Islands Disabled Persons Organization (MIDPO) serves as a leading advocate for disability rights and inclusion. MIDPO works alongside government agencies and regional partners to improve accessibility and increase awareness of disability issues.

In 2025, MIDPO launched an accessibility bus funded through the Asian Development Bank’s COVID-19 Assistance Fund. The service helps people with disabilities travel to essential services, community events and other important destinations. Improved transportation can increase access to education, health care and employment opportunities.

MIDPO also participated in the Pacific Disability Forum’s “Growing Stronger Together” initiative, which strengthened the organization’s capacity to advocate for disability inclusive policies and programs.

Looking Ahead

Disability and poverty in the Marshall Islands remain interconnected challenges. Limited access to education, employment and essential services continues to affect many individuals with disabilities. However, government reforms, social support programs and the work of organizations such as MIDPO demonstrate meaningful progress.

By expanding inclusive education, improving accessibility and strengthening economic opportunities, the Marshall Islands can continue reducing poverty among people with disabilities. These efforts can help ensure that all citizens have the opportunity to participate fully in society and build more secure futures.

– Terrell Munford

Terrell is based in West Deptford, NJ, USA and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Disability and Poverty in Tuvalu

Disability and Poverty in TuvaluAccording to a 2018 study by PacificData.org, 466 people in Tuvalu live with a disability. With little accessibility around the islands and in workplaces, many of these individuals tragically fall into disability poverty. Here is more information about disability and poverty in Tuvalu.

About Tuvalu

Tuvalu is a collection of small South Pacific islands with a population of approximately 11,500 people. It is a developing nation but is full of coconut trees, which provide the country’s main export.

Formally a British colony, Tuvalu’s population significantly diminished in the mid-nineteenth century from 20,000 to a mere 3,000. Multiple factors affected this shift, but most notably: the severe European enslavement of Tuvaluan people (more than half the population by 1863) and diseases brought over from Europe.

The islands were named the Ellice Islands in 1819 after a British MP who travelled there. However, after gaining independence from Britain in 1975, the islands were renamed Tuvalu, meaning ‘eight standing together’ in reference to the eight islands that made up the country, with a ninth later being included as part of the state as well. 

Disability Poverty in Tuvalu Today

Life can be tough in Tuvalu; as a small nation with little foreign trade, work is scarce. A Tuvaluan may work in the agricultural or farming industries to make use of the country’s natural resources; however, this type of work typically involves hard labor, which further limits career opportunities for people with physical disabilities.

People like Sinkiagi Taulamati (a former carpenter) had to give up work in the wake of amputation surgery. In a 2021 interview with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Taulamati noted that thereafter, he struggled to provide for his family as there were no other suitable work opportunities for him.

Welfare for Disabled Tuvaluans

In 2015, Tuvalu introduced the ‘Disability Support Scheme’ for those struggling in disability poverty. This was a welfare benefit scheme for disabled Tuvaluans which provided money for people who could not work due to their disability. However, access to this benefit was extremely limited, only including the congenitally disabled (from birth) and paralyzed people.

This act excluded disabilities that developed later in life, including amputees such as Sinkiagi Taulamati. Although Tuvalu amended it the following year, Pacific Data found that only eighty-seven people were receiving the benefit in 2018. 

Progress for Disabled Tuvaluans

Despite little government intervention, the Tuvaluan people have not given up on those living in disability poverty. In 2009, the first and only non-government organization in aid of disabled people in the country originated.

Fusi Alofa Association (FAA) advocates for disabled welfare in Tuvalu through lobbying activities in an effort to draw attention to the difficulties faced by disabled Tuvaluans, such as poverty, inaccessibility around the islands and education.

While the FAA remains the only organization of its kind in Tuvalu, it has amassed support from the Commonwealth Foundation, which has provided funding that allows the organization to flourish in its mission to stand up for disabled Tuvaluans.

In 2017, partnering with the Australian government, the FAA conducted a study to provide important data on disability and poverty in Tuvalu. This study not only demonstrated that a great deal of disabled Tuvaluans live in poverty but the FAA ensured jobs for disabled people like Taupaka Uatea, through the project, who worked as an FAA researcher.

Looking Ahead

Although disability poverty remains an issue in Tuvalu, the FAA has helped to provide work for disabled individuals as well as conduct surveys that accurately demonstrate the widespread problem and raise awareness of the difficulties that disabled Tuvaluans face.

– Lisa Jane Bryant

Lisa is based in Glasgow, Scotland and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Disability and Poverty in Turkmenistan: Breaking the Cycle

Disability and Poverty in TurkmenistanMore than 1 billion people live with disabilities worldwide. Most of them face the same pattern: exclusion from education, from work and from the basic support that makes stability possible. Disability and poverty in Turkmenistan follow that same pattern, reinforcing each other in ways that are hard to break. According to the World Bank, people with disabilities face structural barriers that push them toward poverty and keep them there.

Barriers for People with Disabilities in Turkmenistan

Starting with education, because that is where everything else begins. For decades, children with disabilities in Turkmenistan were placed in residential facilities or excluded from school altogether. According to a 2024 UNICEF report that The BEARR Trust highlighted, approximately 7% of children with disabilities in Turkmenistan have never attended school, while nearly 60% of children with severe disabilities do not receive disability cash benefits.

Employment presents another significant challenge for people with disabilities in Turkmenistan. Workplaces are not built for accessibility. Hiring practices do not account for inclusion and sitting underneath all of it is stigma, the kind that not only makes it harder to find work but also harder to access health care and to be seen as a full participant in community life. These barriers reinforce long-term economic instability for people with disabilities.

International organizations and regional advocacy groups have pushed for stronger disability inclusion policies in employment. UNICEF and the World Bank have both supported broader disability inclusion initiatives across Central Asia, including efforts focused on accessibility, social protection and workforce participation. While Turkmenistan still faces major barriers in employment access for people with disabilities, these programs aim to strengthen long-term inclusion efforts.

The Link Between Disability and Poverty

Poverty in Turkmenistan remains difficult to measure accurately because publicly available government data is limited. However, international economic reporting shows that many households continue to face financial instability, particularly in rural areas. People with disabilities often experience even higher economic vulnerability due to limited employment opportunities and inconsistent access to benefits and support services.

Disability and poverty in Turkmenistan do not just coexist. They create each other. Poverty means inadequate health care, poor living conditions, and no early intervention for children who need it. Those conditions increase disability rates. Disability, in turn, limits access to education and employment, which keeps income low. The World Bank’s Europe and Central Asia disability inclusion brief describes this as a bidirectional cycle, particularly acute in countries with weak social protection systems.

Efforts to Improve Disability Inclusion

UNICEF has worked with Turkmenistan’s Ministry of Education to expand inclusive education programs through pilot schools, accessibility improvements and teacher training initiatives. In January 2025, UNICEF and the Ministry continued specialized training programs for teachers, school administrators and education professionals working in inclusive classrooms in Ashgabat. These programs aim to improve mainstream classroom access for children with disabilities nationwide, though access in rural areas remains limited.

Turkmenistan made a major commitment in 2008 by ratifying the U.N. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. That ratification required legal frameworks protecting equal access to education, employment and social services. The World Bank has since worked with policymakers in the region to examine how benefits are distributed and where coverage falls short for people with severe disabilities.

The BEARR Trust, a U.K.-based organization founded in 1991, has tracked this work from the outside. It monitors social welfare conditions across the former Soviet Union, documents what is happening on the ground and produces the kind of independent analysis that governments and NGOs need to know where to direct resources.

A Path Forward

Progress on disability and poverty in Turkmenistan is real. More children with disabilities are in mainstream classrooms than a decade ago. Policy frameworks are stronger. International partnerships are deepening, but real progress and enough progress are not the same thing. Employment discrimination persists. Benefit access remains uneven. Rural communities are still largely left out.

Experts and advocacy organizations continue to emphasize that inclusive education, enforceable employment protections and stronger social support systems are necessary to reduce the long-term effects of disability and poverty in Turkmenistan.

– Sarah Jeanelle Taylor

Sarah is based in Belleville, MI, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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The Fight for Justice: Disabilities in Libya

Disabilities in LibyaIn its long history, Libya has endured prolonged periods of turbulence and instability as it continues to rebuild its infrastructure. While most international headlines focus on Libya’s oil production and political transitions, the world often neglects a significant segment of the Libyan population. People with disabilities in Libya face a dual struggle: one born out of a fractured health care system, while they overcome the remnants of war in the form of landmines. 

To rebuild Libya, Libyan leaders and the international community must prioritize the rights and inclusion of these citizens.

Disabilities in Libya

Libya, since the 2012 overthrow of dictator Muammar Gaddafi, has been embroiled in a constant state of warfare. The history of warfare negatively impacts those living with disabilities; even in the fleeting moments of calm, the lingering effects of war remain. The conflict has left a deadly, invisible legacy in the streets of Sirte, Tripoli and Benghazi: unexploded ordnance (UXO) continues to claim lives and trap families in a cycle of poverty years after guns fall silent.

Unlike traditional minefields found in Iraq or Syria, Libya’s contamination plagues densely populated cities. The HALO Trust reports that urban centers remain littered with “suicide” mines, booby traps and cluster munitions. Cities like Sirte, under occupation by ISIS until 2016, suffer from explosives hidden within the rubble of homes, schools and hospitals.

This contamination prevents displaced families from returning, effectively freezing the economic recovery of entire neighborhoods. Conflict-related injuries in Libya, in particular landmines, commonly result in permanent disabilities.

Survivors

A survivor of landmines, Omar Musa, a taxi driver from Tawergha, fled his home in 2011 to escape the violence. When he finally returned seven years later, he discovered a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) wedged into one of his palm trees. Musa did not touch the device. Instead, he contacted the Free Fields Foundation (FFF), a local NGO supported by the European Union. Today, Musa works with the FFF, training other returnees to find unexploded devices.

For others, the experience with mines is less fortunate. Mahmoud, a professional deminer, was blinded when a mine went off while working alongside his brother, Muhammed, for a professional demining team. Muhammed was killed instantly in the blast. Mahmoud was stripped of his sight and had to have his leg amputated. 

While many would see this as an unavoidable tragedy of war, Mahmoud identifies it as a deliberate crime. He points directly to the Russian Wagner Group and the forces of Khalifa Hafter, who retreated from the area in 2020 but left behind a landscape of prohibited anti-personnel mines and “trick” explosives designed to maim civilians and first responders alike. Mahmoud refused to accept his disability, transforming his survival into a vocal campaign for legal reparations.

The Fight for Inclusion

In Libya, losing a limb often has devastating results. While landmines themselves physically harm, a fractured health care system ensures the injuries remain permanent. The “right to health” in Libya has become a luxury that few survivors can afford. Libya once boasted one of the highest Human Development Indices in Africa, providing free health care to its citizens; today, that system is in near collapse. 

Only a handful of physical rehabilitation centers (PRCs) remain operational in cities such as Tripoli, Misrata and Benghazi. Survivors in rural or southern regions must travel hundreds of miles through dangerous territory to access basic fittings. In response, the United Nations Support Mission recently issued a National Charter that includes a bold 7% quota for persons with disabilities in the next government and across all sovereign councils. 

Director Al-Awjali has called for a transition from traditional social care to true political empowerment, positioning women with disabilities as “decision-makers” rather than just service recipients. True inclusion requires more than medical aid; it requires a seat at the table. The Libyan Forum of Persons with Disabilities, in collaboration with international partners such as UNICEF, is also working to break the stigma by advocating for political representation, which serves as a bedrock for other rights. 

These advocates keep the path open for people like Mahmoud to continue to stride forward in a nation plagued by war for more than a decade.

– Haydn Goodboy

Haydn is based in Massachusetts, USA and focuses on Business and Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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5 Facts To Know About Disability and Poverty in Djibouti

Disability and Poverty in DjiboutiDjibouti is a nation of approximately 1.1 million people located in the Horn of Africa, a region characterized by extreme heat, recurring droughts and limited agricultural land. While the country is classified as middle-income and maintains relative peace compared to its neighbors, this stability has come at a cost: there is little international media attention highlighting Djibouti’s humanitarian challenges.

More than 40% of its population lives in extreme poverty, and with 90% of its food imported, the country is deeply vulnerable to global price shocks. For persons with disabilities, these challenges are compounded further still. The following five facts shed light on disability and poverty in Djibouti, and the efforts some are making to address it.

1. Djibouti Faces Widespread Poverty

While Djibouti is a middle-income country, it is ranked 93rd out of the 125 in the 2023 Global Hunger Index. Thus, its food insecurity situation is considered to be in the category of serious severity. More than 40% of its inhabitants are living in extreme poverty. The main causes of the poverty rates are natural disasters such as droughts and disease outbreaks. This burden falls especially hard on people with disabilities: those with significant functional difficulties face a multidimensional poverty rate of 84%, compared to 81% for those with none.

2. Djibouti’s Economy Demonstrating Growth

Between 2000 and 2021, Djibouti averaged about 4% annual GDP growth, and an additional 6.7% in 2023. Some current projections even estimate that poverty rates have gone down since the most recent official date reported in 2017. Most of the economic growth has been a result of investments in transport and port infrastructure. While this is helpful for the economy, it also has created more debt vulnerabilities.

3. The Intersection of Disability and Poverty in Djibouti

People with disabilities have lower access to things like clean cooking fuel, adequate housing, electricity and assets than those without. Families with disabled children also face high costs of medical care and specialized therapies, in addition to the existing economic vulnerabilities. These create barriers for some children and families to have the same quality of education as others.

4. A New World Bank Project

The Improving Inclusion of Vulnerable Children with Disabilities Project is a new plan from the World Bank in partnership with the Japanese Social Development Fund (JSDF). In July of 2025, the JSDF approved a grant of $2.97 million. 

The project aims to help 4,500 beneficiaries in total, including 2,500 children with hearing or visual disabilities as well as 2,000 community members. The project will effectively run assessments to understand the challenges children with disabilities face, provide support to teachers, and promote economic inclusion for vulnerable households.

5. The International Community is Stepping Up

In addition to the World Bank’s and the JSDF’s recent efforts, the European Union (EU) has provided humanitarian aid at an average of €500,000 every year since 2020. These funds mainly target basic needs and services such as nutrition, water and special mobile support teams to assist those located in remote desert areas.

The World Food Programme (WFP) has been active in Djibouti since 1978. They aid with food assistance, with nutrition programs that are especially helpful for refugees, pregnant women and children under 5 years old. A majority of the refugees in Djibouti have little to no income, so they must rely heavily on WFP’s food assistance programs.

In addition to the various nutrition facilities, the WFP and the Djiboutian government runs the Humanitarian Logistics Hub. This helps organize the logistics of providing food and aid, and also can store 65,000 metric tons of food to facilitate regional operations.

Disability and Poverty in Djibouti: The Good and the Bad

Progress on the situation in Djibouti is real and productive. There are various on-the-ground programs in motion and international investment in humanitarian aid is highly effective. There are more programs addressing disparities for people with disabilities. Nevertheless, the problems with the structural economy, food insecurity, rough climate and even lack of mainstream awareness means that significant work remains.

– Gia Sen

Gia is based in Mansfield, MA, USA and focuses on Business and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Disability and Poverty in Suriname

Disability and Poverty in Suriname Suriname is a small coastal nation situated in the northeast of South America. Poverty remains a significant challenge in the country, with 17.5% of the population living below the national poverty line.

Disability as a Poverty Multiplier

Studies considering the intersectional nature of poverty have demonstrated that disability and poverty are strongly interdependent in Suriname.

When examining multidimensional poverty headcount rates, 25% of those with “at least a lot of functional difficulty” are multidimensionally poor. This compares with 21% of those with “some functional difficulty” and 16% of those with “no difficulty.”

There is also an 8% difference between disabled and non-disabled groups in reported access to safely managed sanitation. Among respondents, 96% of those experiencing “no difficulty” reported full access, compared to 87% of those with “at least a lot of functional difficulty.”

Access to the Job Market and Education

People with disabilities in Suriname also face several barriers to social mobility compared to the non-disabled population.

According to 2020 International Labour Organization (ILO) statistics, 39.9% of the disabled population was employed in Suriname, compared with 53.2% of non-disabled people. Similarly, there was a difference of almost 15% between rates of economic activity, with 42.3% of disabled adults ages 15-64 considered economically active compared to 57.9% of non-disabled respondents.

Access to education also varies between disabled and non-disabled groups. Out of a group of surveyed children ages 6-14, 69% of those experiencing “a lot of difficulty” attended school, compared with 82% of those with “some difficulty” and 94% of non-disabled children.

Disabled populations in Suriname are therefore particularly vulnerable to cycles of poverty, especially given their increased likelihood of unemployment, which is a major contributor to poverty.

Action Toward Addressing Disability Poverty

In 2024, a project spearheaded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) was approved to strengthen the country’s social protection system. $40 million was allocated to the initiative, which aims to protect the most vulnerable Surinamese populations, including people with disabilities. The IDB pledged to support 20,000 disabled people and their families.

Several organizations also continue to provide services and support to people with disabilities in Suriname.

Opo Doro, an institution providing home-based services to people living with disabilities in Suriname, expanded its impact with recent funding support. As a result, it established a day care and workshop service that provides disabled communities with practical skills.

Surcare is another project founded to raise funds for a residential care home for people with disabilities in Suriname.

An American organization launched in 2024, Surcare supports the In de Ruimte care home by helping address funding gaps not covered by local donations or government support. The foundation also works to raise awareness about the work of the home.

Looking Ahead

Although there is still work to be done to address the interconnected challenges of disability and poverty in Suriname, the scale of investment from the IDB suggests increased attention to supporting disabled communities. Both international projects and community initiatives indicate progress toward improving conditions for this vulnerable population.

– Phoebe Lang-Clapp

Phoebe is based in Montréal, Québec, Canada and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Disability and Poverty in the Seychelles: Progress and Challenges

Disability and Poverty in the SeychellesRenowned for its pristine beaches and sparkling waters, the Seychelles attracts huge numbers of tourists each year. Comprising 115 islands, the archipelago is estimated to have a population of 135,000 as of 2026. Classified as a high-income country, the Seychelles has the highest GDP per capita in Africa. Yet, despite this economic status, disability and poverty in the Seychelles continue to present significant challenges.

Policies and Existing Legislation 

In 1994, the government passed the National Council for Disabled Persons Act, committing the Seychelles to the safeguarding of disabled persons. In this context, the Seychelles ratified the United Nation’s Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities (CRPD) in 2009. Undoubtedly, a step in the right direction for disability rights, the government has not automatically assimilated the Convention into domestic law which limits its direct enforceability across the country.

The 2022 census classifies approximately 4.24% of the population as “persons with disability.” Although forming a minority, it is clear that disability in the Seychelles should remain a priority for policy and legislation.

Indeed, the Seychelles has prioritized its social protection spending more than many other African island states. In 2020, the government allocated just under 7% of GDP to social protection, which directly benefits citizens living with disabilities and those at risk of poverty.

The Reality of Poverty in the Seychelles 

Although it is true that the Seychelles has committed significant attention to the well-being of persons with disabilities, the reality of poverty in the Seychelles disproportionately affects disabled individuals and their lived experience. 

According to the World Bank Poverty and Equity Brief, as of October 2025, the Seychelles has almost entirely eliminated extreme poverty, defined as living on less than $2.15 per day. Nonetheless, inequality across the islands persists. Poverty in the Seychelles is expected to remain at approximately 7%,  measured against the $8.30 per day threshold. Those on the lowest incomes remain especially vulnerable, with persons with disabilities bearing the heaviest burden.

The Impact of Geography 

The same geographic characteristics that give the Seychelles its idyllic charm present further challenges for accessibility. The topography of the islands means that many essential services are located at the top of steep inclines or in valleys. As a result, accessing these services can be extremely difficult for people with disabilities, particularly those with physical impairments. These geographic barriers compound existing social and economic inequalities, deepening the link between disability and poverty in the Seychelles.

Progress and Future Developments

While acknowledging the ongoing challenges the Seychelles faces in terms of disability advocacy and protection, particularly in the context of economic inequality, the country has made notable progress in strengthening social protection measures. The government has taken proactive steps to improve disability awareness through education initiatives.

Meanwhile, the National Council for Disabled Persons (NCFD), established in 1994, continues to represent the interests of those with disabilities. The council aims to promote inclusion and fair access to opportunities, by coordinating services and organizations that aid employment and rehabilitation for those with disabilities. It also works with the Minister of Health and Social Development to improve legal and administrative frameworks.

Efforts to improve accessibility have also  increased following the signing of the CRPD, with infrastructure projects, such as the Baie Ste Anne Primary school, actively incorporating ramps and lifts in their designs. The Seychelles continues to prioritize social spending, placing disability and poverty at the center of its legislative and policy framework.

Looking Ahead

Every citizen, regardless of their economic position or abilities, deserves a world that can and does accommodate their needs. Continuing to address the intersection of disability and poverty in the Seychelles is vital to ensure that all individuals can participate fully in society. For the Seychelles, sustained commitment to inclusive social and economic policies is essential in advancing equality.

– Polly Laws

Polly is based in Cardiff, Wales and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Top 5 Facts To Know About Disability and Poverty in Palau

Disability and Poverty in PalauPalau lies in the western Pacific Ocean and belongs to the Micronesia subregion of Oceania. The island enjoys one of the highest standards of living, yet it still relies heavily on U.S. foreign aid to maintain this status. Despite such aid, 24.9% of the population live in poverty, and disabled people face an even higher risk, just as in many other places.

There are many hardships that make life difficult for able-bodied people in Palau, which, while difficult, are manageable, but when extra factors that impact disabled people come into play, the barriers seem near impossible to overcome.

With a high life expectancy of 69.3 years and a population of 17,907, the disparity between the richest 20% and the poorest 20% is surprising, and substantial steps are needed to resolve this. This is especially important when the people most affected by this disparity are disabled people, who make up 3.4% of Palau’s population. In Palau, the poorest 20% of the population get 9% of the income, which is a massive contrast to the richest 20% who get 42% of the income.

The country seems aware of these differences, recently realizing that the lack of a clear definition of disability is making it harder to help those with disability live out of poverty. A clear definition helps with recognition of an issue and will overall make a positive influence on those with disability in poverty. Below are the top five things to know about disability and poverty in Palau and how it can improve over time.

1. Accessible Homes

The country has worked hard to improve the standard of living for disabled people, and the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities recently applauded Palau for its efforts to make housing accessible, not just for the disabled, but also for the elderly. In 2024, the government allocated $500,000 through the supplemental budget for the PHA to use on eight housing projects. The Committee noted great improvement in accessibility in this area. Since these actions are recent, there are no observable the outcomes of these projects, but the Committee’s positivity signals promising improvement.

2. Transport

Despite major accessible housing improvements, the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities felt that the country needed more in terms of accessible transport. If there isn’t an accessible way for someone with a disability to independently get around, gaining employment and living above the poverty line becomes much harder. This highlights the importance of disability and poverty being impactful on one another in communities, as independence is integral to keeping people out of poverty.

Though the state has some vehicles, they are only available via request, again highlighting work to be done. The Republic of Palau has recently put plans in place to build more roads and bridges to then increase the amount of public transport for all.

3. Health Care Expenditure

About 14.3% of Palau’s GDP goes to Healthcare Expenditure. This allows for disability and poverty to be recognized as it means that there is a focus on making disabled people’s health care accessible and easy, thus making independence more attainable. However, the lack of transport still limits health care, adding boundaries to disabled people in poverty, but doctors provide exceptional quality of care, when people can get there. This highlights the importance in the recognition of disability and poverty in Palau, as when one factor improves, such as transport, it can have a knock-on effect on many other industries, such as health care.

4. National Day

Palau joined the global community in recognizing the National Day for Persons with Disabilities. The day promotes the idea that every person deserves equal opportunities, dignity and inclusion. The population gets to reflect on how the country has strived for this equality in recent years. This reflection adds to the recognition of the correlation between disability and poverty, as people get to think about the lives of others they would not usually think about, and this reflection creates a good set up for future improvement in the workplace, transport, housing, etc. This national day occurs every December 3rd.

5. Persons With Disabilities Act

Lawmakers passed this act to help disabled people take an active role in society, whether through employment or other opportunities. This Act increases disability visibility, and with more than 2,800 people in Palau living with at least one disability, equality should be a given. Ensuring equal opportunity should help lift people out of poverty, since expanding access to income benefits everyone.

Takeaways

Continuous improvements in Palau are a pathway to a disabled person’s independence and visibility in Palau. With accessible homes and transport, disabled people will be able to have more agency in their own lives, suggesting a steady change to disparity on the island.

The battle against global poverty is a marathon, not a sprint, and recognition of issues within a country is a significant step forward to long-term change and the reduction of poverty. Realizing correlations such as the one between disability and poverty allows for change and improvements in the lives of thousands on the island, whether they be disabled themselves or the primary caregiver.

Overall, the five facts to know about disability and poverty in Palau highlight that while Palau still needs change and it is necessary, it is happening. While the disabled population of Palau have felt “invisible” in recent years, the latest government action shows positive visibility may be around the corner.

– Caitlin Cooper

Caitlin is based in Aberdeen, UK and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons