ECLAC and UNFPA present study on disability data in Latin America

26-09-25

The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) announced the publication of the study “Data Sources on Persons with Disabilities in Latin America from a Social and Rights-Based Perspective,” a document aimed at strengthening the statistical visibility of this population—an essential element for designing and implementing public policies that guarantee effective equality and social inclusion.

The report is part of the joint annual work plan of ECLAC and UNFPA and responds to the growing recognition of the rights of persons with disabilities promoted by international human rights instruments. Among them, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, adopted in 2006, stands out for obliging States to guarantee and promote the full realization of the economic, social, cultural, civil, and political rights of this population. The effective implementation of these commitments, the document underscores, requires timely, disaggregated, and high-quality information that makes visible the living conditions of persons with disabilities from a rights-based approach.

In Latin America, obtaining adequate and comparable information has been an ongoing challenge. The lack of reliable and homogeneous data limits governments’ capacity to design policies that address the real needs of this group, making it difficult to identify gaps and assess the impact of interventions. For this reason, the publication is of strategic relevance as it provides an in-depth examination of the region’s main data sources, including population and housing censuses and household surveys—key tools for understanding the social, economic, and demographic conditions of persons with disabilities.

To access the report: click here

One of the central contributions of the study is its detailed analysis of the inclusion of the short set of disability questions developed by the Washington Group on Disability Statistics, an international standard with significant potential to improve data measurement and comparability. The report highlights the progress made by countries that have adopted this methodology while also identifying challenges that remain in terms of homogeneity, coverage, and the ability to reflect the diversity of disabilities and the contexts in which people live.

The social and rights-based perspective that guides the research goes beyond a purely medical view of disability, incorporating dimensions related to social participation, accessibility, structural barriers, and respect for human rights. This comprehensive understanding of the realities faced by persons with disabilities is fundamental for building inclusive public policies and for monitoring commitments made by States under the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly the principle of “leaving no one behind.”

The document not only analyzes current practices but also offers concrete recommendations to strengthen national statistical systems. These proposals aim to improve data collection methodologies, expand the coverage of measurement instruments, and ensure that statistics more accurately reflect the multiple dimensions of disability. The study also emphasizes the importance of regional and international cooperation to advance toward common standards that enable valid comparisons between countries and support the development of policies with regional reach.

Published as part of ECLAC’s Project Documents series, this study is positioned as a key reference for researchers, academics, and specialists addressing disability from a social and rights-based perspective. It also provides valuable inputs for policymakers, offering evidence and technical criteria that contribute to the planning of inclusive programs and the evaluation of their effectiveness.

With this new contribution, ECLAC and UNFPA reaffirm their commitment to promoting more equitable and inclusive societies in Latin America and the Caribbean, where persons with disabilities enjoy full recognition of their rights and real opportunities to participate in all areas of social, economic, and cultural life. The publication is now available for consultation and download on ECLAC’s official platforms, encouraging decision-makers, academics, and civil society organizations to use it as a basis for strengthening action in favor of inclusion and equal rights.

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