The Nexus Project: Strengthening Disability Inclusion in Fragile Contexts

Introduction

The Nexus Project is a multi-country initiative that explores how disability-inclusive programming can be strengthened in fragile contexts affected by conflict and climate change. Nexus” refers to the intersection between humanitarian aid and development work, an approach that connects short-term emergency response with long-term inclusive development. Children and youth with disabilities (CYWD) face disproportionate risks in these settings, including exclusion from services, increased exposure to violence, and limited access to education and livelihoods. Liliane Fonds launched this project to better understand these vulnerabilities and develop inclusive responses. Through research conducted in Bangladesh, Indonesia, Burkina Faso, and Cameroon, the project lays the foundation for future programming, advocacy, and collaboration. It also marks a strategic shift for Liliane Fonds, aiming to work more effectively in fragile contexts where inclusion is most urgently needed. 

Context

Fragile contexts are environments where conflict, climate change, and weak systems converge, limiting access to essential services and increasing risks for children and youth with disabilities (CYWD). With 19 out of 25 Liliane Fonds countries considered fragile in one or more dimensions, the need for tailored, inclusive strategies is urgent. The Nexus Project focuses on four countries, each facing distinct challenges. In Bangladesh and Indonesia, climate-related hazards disrupt education, healthcare, and livelihoods. In Burkina Faso and Cameroon, conflict and displacement expose CYWD to violence and exclusion. These studies reveal critical gaps in protection and inclusion. 

_{Countries in which Liliane Fonds is active ranked according to the OECD fragility index 2022}

About the NEXUS project

The Nexus Project brings together Liliane Fonds and its partners to advance inclusion in fragile contexts. Using mixed-methods research, the project explores how Children and Youth With Disabilities are affected by conflict and climate change, and how inclusive responses can be strengthened. The table below summarizes the 4 researches implemented.  

From research to action

The Nexus Project began with research activities in the four partner countries in to better understand the risks, needs, and barriers faced by CYWD in fragile contexts. These studies provided the evidence base for the next steps. Building on the research findings, the project launched a learning agenda which is used to design follow-up project to pilot innovations. Follow up projects in the four countries are planned to be implemented from the end of 2025 onwards.

Learn more: downloadable briefs

To dive deeper into the findings and lessons from the Nexus Project, Liliane Fonds has developed a series of learning briefs. These documents summarize key insights from research conducted in partner countries, and offer practical guidance for inclusive programming in fragile contexts. 

Each brief focuses on a specific theme and is designed to support partners, practitioners, and policymakers in strengthening disability inclusion in settings affected by conflict and climate change. 

📄 Paper 1: What Does the Data Tell Us? 

This brief presents evidence on how climate change and conflict impact children and youth with disabilities (CYWD). It highlights increased health risks, food insecurity, educational disruption, and exclusion from disaster preparedness. The data underscores the need for inclusive services and planning to reduce layered vulnerabilities. 

📄 Paper 2: Inclusive Approaches to Conflict and Climate Resilience 

This paper outlines six rights-based approaches to support CYWD in fragile contexts. It emphasizes inclusive service delivery, economic empowerment, protection systems, leadership opportunities, preparedness, and data-driven planning. These strategies offer a blueprint for inclusive program design. 

📄 Paper 3: Collaboration During Crises 

This brief explores success factors in cross-sector collaboration for disability-inclusive support. It highlights the roles of OPDs, local governments, NGOs, schools, and donors in building inclusive responses. Examples from all four countries show how joint planning, data sharing, and capacity building can improve outcomes for CYWD. 

📄 Paper 4: Conflict, Climate Change and Inclusion: Research & Innovation 

This paper offers inspiration for follow-up research and innovation. It identifies key themes, such as inclusive education, health access, livelihoods, and early warning systems, and compares insights from the Nexus Project with global recommendations. It also outlines country-specific priorities for future pilots.   

Play

Video: Hear directly from our partner Centre for Disability in Development from Bangladesh. In this short video, they share how exclusion plays out on the ground and what’s being done to build inclusive solutions that last.

Contact 

If you found this information useful, or would like to share more tools and resources related to conflict, climate change and disability inclusion, contact: 

Zoë Dings, Programme officer
Jan Apperloo, Learning & Knowledge development adviser 

_{One of the stories highlighted within The Nexus Project comes from Bangladesh, where the exclusion of children with disabilities during disasters is a pressing issue. 
Read the full blog: “When disaster strikes, inclusion often does not” →}