Disability is profoundly linked to the right to life.

Persons with disabilities are frequently denied their right to life, as well as their right to protection in situations of risk in many contexts, such as natural disaster, armed conflict, and other humanitarian emergencies.

The enjoyment of the right to life by persons with disabilities is inextricably linked to the enjoyment of other human rights. For example, if a person with a disability has no access to health care or rehabilitation services, their right to life may well come under threat. Subjecting persons with disabilities to dangerous working environments or to conditions that amount to forced labour is likewise potentially life threatening.

According to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD):

1. States reaffirm that every human being has the inherent right to life and shall take all necessary measures to ensure its effective enjoyment by persons with disabilities on an equal basis with others.
2. States shall take all necessary measures to ensure the protection and safety of persons with disabilities in situations of risk, including situations of armed conflict, humanitarian emergencies and the occurrence of natural disasters.