SDG progress has become harder to assess without data on situations facing persons with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a UN report on ‘Inclusive development for and with persons with disabilities’.
The report notes that only 3% of countries have data on persons with disabilities experiencing discrimination. Overall, “the lack of reliable, timely, and comparable data related to persons with disabilities further challenges the ability to assess the progress or lack thereof” towards the SDGs.
However, the report suggests that an increasing number of countries and international agencies are working to collect disability data, including new, innovative methodologies. For example, smartphone-based crowdsourcing can provide information on the accessibility of physical spaces around the world.
UN Secretary-General urges efforts in line with the Inclusive Data Charter adopted in 2018 in order to “compile disability data on a systematic and regular basis globally, regionally and nationally to track progress, identify gaps and facilitate policymaking.” Moreover, broader use of data collection using the Washington Group’s disability questions could be promoted, the report suggests.
The report concludes with a set of actions for Member States to consider, in order to mainstream disability and protect the rights of persons with disabilities in the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the 2030 Agenda.
