On behalf of the World Blind Union and the global community of blind and partially sighted persons, I extend our deepest sympathy and unwavering solidarity to the people of Venezuela affected by the devastating earthquake.
Our thoughts are especially with persons with disabilities, their families, and representative organizations, who often face heightened risks and barriers during emergencies and disaster situations. We are deeply concerned about the impact of this tragedy on those who may already experience challenges in accessing information, evacuation procedures, shelter, healthcare, rehabilitation services, and humanitarian assistance.
At this difficult time, we stand with all those who have lost loved ones, suffered injuries, or been displaced from their homes. We pay tribute to the courage and resilience of the Venezuelan people and to the emergency responders, volunteers, community organizations, and disability advocates working tirelessly to support affected communities.
We call upon national authorities, humanitarian agencies, and all relief providers to ensure that response and recovery efforts are fully inclusive and accessible to persons with disabilities. Emergency information, shelters, relief distribution systems, healthcare services, and reconstruction programmes must be designed and implemented in a manner that leaves no one behind.
The World Blind Union reaffirms its commitment to supporting our colleagues and partners in Venezuela and across the region. We encourage the international community to provide all necessary assistance and to ensure that disability inclusion remains at the centre of humanitarian action and recovery efforts.
In times of tragedy, global solidarity is more important than ever. The blind and partially sighted community around the world stands united with the people of Venezuela as they recover and rebuild.
With regards,
Santosh Kumar Rungta
President
World Blind Union