Why is debt relief important for disability inclusion?

Unsustainable debt – a forgotten crisis

A growing number of countries in the Global south are faced with ever-increasing and unsustainable debt repayments, which threaten their ability to fund vital services which people with disabilities rely on. As public finances are stretched, people with disabilities and other marginalised groups will be among those worst affected, as debt repayments take priority over spending on initiatives that promote inclusion and accessibility.

The statistics are stark. The UN states that 54 countries are in debt crisis, including 32 African countries who are spending more on debt payments than on healthcare and 25 African countries who are spending more on debt payments than on education. Although underreported, this crisis needs addressing if the cycle of poverty and disability is to be broken.

Debt relief has been important to Christians and other faith communities throughout history. The Hebrew Bible describes the Year of Jubilee where all debts were forgiven – allowing opportunities to those burdened to reset and grow. In the New Testament, Jesus says we should pray  “Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors” (Matthew 6:12). Pope Francis declared 2025 a Year of Jubilee and reiterated the call made by Christians all over the world for debts to be cancelled, saying “this is a matter of justice.” As part of the CBM Global federation we are proud to join this long tradition of advocating for debt relief and see it as an important way of advocating for justice for people with disabilities and joining together with our partners globally.

Looking forward

Driven by our values, and in solidarity with people with disabilities across the Global South, we are joining with over 80 other organisations in calling on the government to act.

The Labour Party’s manifesto made a commitment to tackle unsustainable debt; it’s now time for the UK Government to live up to that promise.

The upcoming Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in Seville offers an opportunity for the government to make concrete commitments on debt relief and CBM will be there to urge the government to listen to countries in the Global South and back global debt reform.

Mark Barrell, Director of Advocacy and Influencing says:

“I am excited to attend the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development and work alongside the disability movement and other civil society organisations to advocate for debt reform, urge governments to increase funding for disability inclusion, and ensure people with disabilities are involved in all aspects of sustainable development. This is crucial to ensure we meet the Sustainable Development Goals and implement the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities”

Read the open letter to the Prime Minister here.