Diversity refers to different values, attitudes, cultural perspectives, beliefs, ethnic background, nationality, sexual orientation, gender identity, ability, health, social status, skill and other specific personal characteristics. While the age and gender dimensions are present in everyone, other characteristics vary from person to person. These differences must be recognized, understood and valued by humanitarian actors in each emergency in order to ensure protection for all affected people (see Global Protection Cluster).

In the context of emergencies, persons with disabilities are easily neglected in the contingency planning, assessment, design, and delivery of humanitarian relief. Emergency situations such as conflicts or natural disasters can also generate an increased number of people who experience disability owing to new injuries, a lack of quality medical care, or the collapse of essential services (see Disabilities in Humanitarian Contexts). In line with its WHS commitment, the IASC endorsed the establishment of a time bound Task Team (Jan 2017- Dec 2018) in July 2016. For more information on the IASC Task Team on Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Humanitarian Action go here.