Moving from the margins: Overlooked intersections of disability and conflict-related sexual violence

Disability and conflict-related sexual violence are interconnected in humanitarian crises. For women and girls in such settings, disability serves as both a risk factor for and a potential consequence of conflict-related sexual violence, which compounds vulnerability related to gender inequality, institutional barriers, and long-term physical and psychosocial impacts. This intersection of disability and conflict-related sexual violence remains insufficiently addressed within humanitarian policy and practice. Gaps in disability-disaggregated data collection, fragmented coordination structures, limited accountability mechanisms and ableist social norms continue to undermine effective prevention and response. Risks and response needs vary across the humanitarian lifecycle as well as across different types of disabilities, which highlights the inadequacy of uniform programming approaches. This paper identifies priority actions across five areas: strengthening disability-disaggregated data systems; ensuring the meaningful participation of organizations of persons with disabilities; mainstreaming inclusive and tailored programming across all phases of crisis response; enhancing coordination and financing; and access to justice for survivors with disabilities. Addressing conflict-related sexual violence against women and girls with disabilities is essential for equitable and effective humanitarian action.