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Disaster Laws
Disaster Laws
The IFRC’s Disaster Laws Programmein the Pacific
Finau LimuloaHumanitarian Diplomacy Delegate
www.ifrc.orgSaving lives, changing minds.
Disaster Laws
Why legal preparedness for international disaster response? (IDRL)
More frequent and larger natural disasters
More and different international responders
Absence of procedure to regulate the increasingly complex context
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Disaster Laws
Research shows that the lack of legal preparedness hampers int’l relief
Research 27 legal case studies Global survey Regional forums
Findings Unnecessary delays and costs Unnecessary relief items, poor
coordination, lack of respect
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Disaster Laws
The IDRL Guidelines
Adopted by consensus by the 30th International Conference in 2007
Compile existing international norms and best practice
Recommendations to governments on how to prepare domestic laws and procedures for international assistance
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Disaster Laws
Implementation of the Guidelines
Growing interest in the use of the IDRL Guidelines
Tangible progress at the national level
Ongoing regional cooperation and partnerships - e.g SOPAC
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Disaster Laws
Collaborations with International Partners
New tools: Model Act on International Disaster Assistance
Project partners – IFRC, OCHA, IPU Provides a tool for states to develop national
legislation
Increased awareness: WCO Regional
Seminars Project partners – IFRC, OCHA, WCO Awareness raising, implementation of
international instruments
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Disaster Laws
The 31st International Conference – Broadening the scope of disaster laws
Legal preparedness for international disaster response (IDRL)
Legislating enhanced disaster risk reduction, particularly at the community level
Regulatory barriers to emergency and transitional shelter for people affected by natural disasters
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Disaster Laws
What can legislation accomplish when it comes to disaster risk reduction?
Legislation is an important tool to increase impact at the community level – it can:
empower communities to take an active role promote full implementation of incentives prioritize resources for community level work encourage accountability
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Disaster Laws
Next Steps
Continue to support National Societies and states in the field of disaster laws generally, including in the three areas discussed
Provide technical assistance and training Develop tools, models and guidelines Continue its advocacy and research Strengthen partnerships with relevant
stakeholders in the region and further abroad
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Disaster Laws
How IDRL is addressing gender equality
• Disaster relief and initial recovery assistance is to be “[r]esponsive to the special needs, if any, of women and particularly vulnerable groups which may include children, displaced persons, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and persons living with HIV and other debilitating illnesses”. [IDRL Guildelines Para 3(a)].
• This is then to be “[c]arried out with adequate involvement of affected persons including women, youth and the elderly…” [IDRL Guildelines Para 3(e)].
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Disaster Laws
For more information please visit
http://www.ifrc.org/idrl
Or contact:
Finau Limuloa
Humanitarian Diplomacy Delegate
+679 999 3132