IDC report reveals “major shortcomings” in FCDO’s disability-inclusion work – Bond’s DDG group reacts

Today, Thursday 4 April, the International Development Committee (IDC) published its report on the FCDO’s approach to disability inclusion in development.

The report reveals that, despite good work, the FCDO has not sufficiently mainstreamed disability inclusion, with only around a third of UK Official Development Assistance projects having any focus on disability inclusion – and only 0.7% having a “significant” focus on disability inclusion.

The Bond Disability and Development Group (DDG) said in reaction to the report:

We welcome the IDC’s scrutiny of the FCDO’s disability inclusion efforts and are grateful for the IDC for considering the evidence submitted. The report highlights critical gaps in the implementation of the ambitious Disability Inclusion and Rights Strategy. These must be addressed to ensure genuine progress for people with disabilities who represent over 1 billion (1 in 6) of the world’s population.

The DDG commends the IDC for highlighting the disproportionate impact of funding cuts to disability programs and strongly welcomes recommendations on increased resourcing, improved data and genuine engagement with Organisations of Persons with Disabilities.

We stand ready to offer our expertise and work together with the FCDO and its dedicated Disability Inclusion Team to achieve a future where all people with disabilities are included.

ENDS.

Notes for editors

  • The Bond Disability and Development Group brings together over 110 UK-based development organisations – both mainstream and disability-specific – to ensure that the rights of people with disabilities are included in the UK development and humanitarian sectors.
  • Bond is the UK network for organisations working in international development. Bond unites and supports a diverse network of nearly 400 civil society organisations from across the UK, and allies to help eradicate global poverty, inequality and injustice.
  • For further information, please contact Jess Salter, Media Adviser at Bond at [email protected] or call 07493200979.