When leaving no one behind means ‘fixing’ those moving ahead: A call for collective action against disablism

 Grace Khawam writes:

More than 80% unemployed, 45% under the poverty line [1], 258 wounded and at least 42 newly disabled by the Beirut explosion [2]. Lack of inclusive education mainstreamed in schools, lack of implementation of legal protection frameworks, lack of affordable healthcare services [3], and lack of accessible online learning, health information and vaccination venues throughout the pandemic. This is a quick snapshot of the current state-of-affairs of persons with disabilities in Lebanon. The needs and rights of persons with disabilities have been systematically deprioritized in Lebanon, not only historically, but with every new crisis, every new humanitarian response, and every new development action.  

Why are people with disabilities in Lebanon constantly left behind? Contrary to what many may think, it is not because they are more vulnerable or need more special care: it is because they have been consistently marginalized in policies and practices, through socially imposed restrictions, and direct and indirect forms of institutional discrimination - this is what disablism means [4]. While refusing a discourse of victimization, let us unpack the underpinnings of this systemic marginalization. Let us first picture this: a world where pavements, buildings and public spaces are wheelchair-accessible; where sign language is a national language taught in schools; where quality healthcare is available for all; where school lessons are adapted to each learner’s needs; where workplaces provide reasonable accommodations for each employee to excel at their work. If we remove all barriers, all restrictions imposed by the environment, by people’s attitudes, by systems and structures, would persons with disabilities still be left behind?  

Can peacebuilders end the war with Boko Haram?

The first Work in Progress seminar this semester is on Thursday at 4.30. Hazel Healy from New Internationalist writes about her presentation: 

I travelled to IDP camps in North East Nigeria to find out what local people are doing to build peace in the midst of extreme violence of the war between Boko Haram and the government. In my talk I'll share the perspectives of local leaders who are trying to dampen down conflict in the camps, young men who formed civilian militias to stay alive and women who were kidnapped, navigated escapes and are challenging the violence of stigma on their return to their communities.

I will also share the perspectives of Nigerian journalists, civil society leaders and humanitarians who are working to address the root causes of conflict and tackle rights abuses.

Beyond sharing ideas and opinions from the ground and in line with the work-in-progress framing of the seminar, I will also explore some of the  questions that came up in the course of my research - such as (i) the continuum between victim and perpetrator (ii) how do you balance justice with forgiveness in peacebuilding? A theme that links to (iii) when and how should you broach feminism and female empowerment in war that relentlessly targets women? and (iv) reflections on journalistic practise  - the practical experience of telling a story like this one, getting there, crafting the story while considering ethics, representation and balance.

Hazel Healy is a co-editor at the New Internationalist magazine. She specializes in writing stories that explore human rights and development. Recent themes include humanitarianism, peacebuilding and migration with direct reporting from places such as Nigeria, Lesvos and Bangladesh. Her reports have also been published in other outlets such as the LA Times, The Guardian and De Correspondent.

The seminar will be held in the student hub on the third floor of the Abercrombie building (Headington campus). Please see here for further details and for a list of the entire seminar series.