The Swedish contingency plan : A qualitative analysis of its implementation, and its representation of the disabled

Sammanfattning

In an era constantly threatened by war and disaster, there has been an increased focus on preparedness and on what civil society can do in the event of a major crisis. Much attention has been given to what civil society can and should do to prepare for different forms of crises. However, one group has often been overlooked: people with disabilities. Even though people with disabilities are considered a vulnerable group, there is still a lack of a comprehensive contingency plan addressing their needs during crises. This study will examine how and to what extent people with disabilities have been excluded from contingency planning. It will also analyse the strengths and weaknesses of existing contingency plans for people with disabilities. By using a Human Rights-Based Approach, the study will examine the state’s responsibility to ensure the quality of life of people with disabilities during times of crisis and war. The Human Rights-Based Approach is grounded in international law and aligns with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which Sweden ratified in 2008 and is therefore required to follow. This study will focus primarily on Sweden’s contingency planning but will also incorporate information from other countries, mainly by examining the experiences of people with disabilities in armed conflicts. This is intended to provide a broader understanding of the effects armed conflicts have on people with disabilities. Human security theory will be used to advocate for systematic changes to Sweden’s contingency planning to make it more inclusive for people with disabilities. By analysing both contingency planning actors and human security theory, the aim is not only to identify what is lacking but also to determine who is responsible for ensuring the security and quality of life of people with disabilities. At the end, there will be a clear identification of both the strengths and weaknesses of current contingency planning, as well as the efforts already in place to ensure that people with disabilities are protected from harm during any form of crisis. The study will also use the COVID-19 pandemic as a case to explore how people with disabilities were affected during a previous crisis in Sweden.