per cent of these were aged 14 or younger.158 However, this figure is significantly lower than
the estimated global average of 15 per cent, as well as WHO estimates for the country,159
and UNICEF Philippines estimates that the number of children with disabilities could be as
high as 5 million.160 Challenges in the fulfilment of the rights of children with disabilities in the
Philippines include a lack of data, and limited access to inclusive health, education and
socio-cultural services.161 Children with disabilities are also more likely to encounter
discrimination and stigma, as well as physical abuse and neglect.162
Climate change threatens to compound these inequities, including through higher exposure
to climate risk and lower adaptive capacity linked to children with disabilities’ relative poverty
and socio-economic exclusion.163 During emergencies, for example, children with disabilities
are rendered highly vulnerable due to insufficient consideration of accessibility in planning
for evacuation, response and relief efforts, leading to higher risk of injuries, disease and
death.164 They may have more difficulty in reaching safe areas and in reuniting with families
and friends due to communication and mobility barriers. They may also lose vital assistance
devices, and are more likely to encounter challenges in accessing critical information.
According to a disabled people’s organisation in Iloilo, local contingency plans for Typhoon
Haiyan did not make accommodation for the needs of persons with disabilities, including
provisions for accessible shelters, with subsequent implications for their access to food and
other basic assistance.165