Ms Fiona O'Donovan:

The European Union is one of the biggest sources of humanitarian aid and external funding. Because it has ratified the convention, it has committed to complying with it in all aspects, including the manner in which it administers funds externally. That means it needs to consider whether it is catering for the accessibility and inclusion of persons with disabilities and whether it is taking into consideration that it may be more difficult for them to flee their home countries or flee a war and that they may be more at risk in their home countries. It must consider what is being done to tackle that issue and to cater for the needs of refugees coming in to the European Union. It is about complying with the principles of inclusion and non-discrimination and providing community-based services and for the right to home care. All such rights that apply within the European Union also need to attach to its external work.

In Ireland's case, ratification of the UNCRPD which I hope is imminent will similarly have knock-on effects in terms of an obligation to comply with the convention. That is an issue on which Disability Federation Ireland is working with the Dóchas Disability in International Development Group, particularly in incorporating disability and inclusivity into Ireland's external aid programmes.