Handicap International experience in Afghanistan - CBM

IntroductionAs the process of reconstruction is currently going on in Afghanistan, after over two decades of conflict, the risk of the emergence andwidening of the gap between those who benefit in priority from peace and reconstruction and the marginalised groups of the Afghansociety is becoming a serious concern. Afghans with disability are one of these vulnerable groups, with specific needs and a demandfor a rightful place in the new republic.As in other countries, persons with disability in Afghanistan do not make up a homogenous group. Social perceptions of the causes ofdisability lead to social acceptance or exclusion from the community. The physically disabled, and more specifically those disabled fromwar or its consequences (landmines and UXOs), are a fairly visible group: socially accepted and valorised, these persons with disabilityare mostly men and have a strong political voice. The picture is grimmer for women and persons with mental disability. The cause of thedisability being more difficult to identify, lack of knowledge and awareness lead to social exclusion and rejection. In a context whereresources are scarce and ensuring daily survival is a constant challenge, the ‘hidden disabled’ are not the priority.The National Disability Survey in Afghanistan, or NDSA, was commissioned to better grasp the various facets of disability in thecountry: to better understand those that were visible, and to bring to light those that were often not visible. It aimed to present acomprehensive view of the disability picture in the country, a picture that could, in turn, contribute to a better understanding andrecognition of the social diversity of persons with disability in Afghanistan. Some findings presented in this report were in line withthe outlook of the various partners, others were more unexpected and forced a different approach to reality. The identification of thespecific needs and the understanding of the exclusion mechanisms that slowly but surely marginalise a large part of the populationwith disability, and taking measures to prevent these, are the first steps to mainstreaming and empowering all persons with disability.Knowledge of the social, cultural, physical and institutional barriers is crucial to fight exclusion. The NDSA attempted to answer thebasic question: why and when does impairment become disability? What are the various mechanisms that trigger exclusion and howcan this be prevented in the long run?The NDSA aims to bridge the knowledge gap regarding the number, health, educational and employment situation, livelihoods andsocial integration of Afghans with disability. Such knowledge is imperative to define and implement a disability strategy. The results,presented briefly in the present Executive Summary Report, attempt to provide strategic planners, administrators, organisations ofpersons with disability, NGOs, UN agencies and others the knowledge and tools needed to push forward the agenda of persons withdisability in Afghanistan and enable them to gain their rightful place.The Executive Summary Report presents a brief view of the methodology and results of the NDSA. The first section looks at samplingmethods and field realities. The following sections look at the major findings related to the main fields of the survey: health, education,employment, and livelihoods. The last section relates to social participation and marriage.Introductionxiii