Inclusion of people with disabilities

Strengthening the rights and opportunities of persons with disabilities is also the responsibility of development cooperation.

The inclusion of persons with disabilities is a task for society as a whole. It promotes social cohesion by standing up to discrimination and disadvantage. Equal rights for persons with disabilities also help to reduce poverty by ensuring that this group is not excluded from development.

Under the relevant United Nations Convention on the rights of persons with disabilities, GIZ’s partner countries are obliged to protect the rights of persons with disabilities. This means that persons with disabilities – or organisations representing them – are involved in development measures, all the way from planning and implementation to evaluation. GIZ supports the governments of its partner countries in meeting these obligations.

The inclusion of persons with disabilities is relevant in all sectors of international cooperation. When GIZ advises its partners on inclusion issues, it refers to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda, with a focus on the following SDGs:

SDG 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

SDG 8: Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all.

SDG 10: Reduce inequality within and among countries.

SDG 11: Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.

SDG 17: Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development.