DONATE

Not on the guest list: people with disabilities and the Millennium Development Goals

When world leaders established the eight MDGs for reducing poverty, they left out one in five of the world’s poorest people.

This is not as surprising as it sounds. People with disabilities have consistently faced discrimination and disadvantage, which is why 82% of those with disabilities live below the poverty line and comprise one of the largest single groups of excluded and chronically poor people in the world.

This paper sets out the context for addressing disability in the MDGs. It highlights the growing international momentum for including disability in development and makes recommendations on how donors, partner governments and civil society can include people with disabilities in the global drive to achieve the MDGs.

Want to read more about our work?

Sightsavers and disability rights
Two staff members enter ask a man questions during a survey about river blindness.
sightsavers_news

Sightsavers launches new action plan on inclusive data

The updated plan reaffirms Sightsavers' commitment to enhancing inclusive data and collaboration in the international development sector.

November 2023
Three women discuss gender-based violence at a workshop in Uganda.
Sightsavers blog

Collaborating to improve gender-based violence services

Women and girls with disabilities face a higher risk of gender-based violence, yet they are often prevented from receiving support due to inaccessible services.

Lucy Muchiri, November 2023
A close-up of a man's hand holding a white cane.
sightsavers_news

Sightsavers welcomes UK white paper on international development

We applaud the clear focus on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and ending extreme poverty, as well as the specific section on people with disabilities.

November 2023