Resolution 7 – Disaster laws and policies that leave no one behind

Summary

The increasing frequency and intensity of disasters is well documented as climate change exacerbates existing vulnerabilities and brings greater risks to those already exposed to disaster risk, urbanization and poverty. To address this, a well-functioning disaster risk management (DRM) system is required, with a strong legal basis at the domestic level to ensure clarity in responsibilities, prioritization of activities, assignment of resources and coordination.

This resolution, adopted at the 33rd International Conference, aims to highlight the urgency and importance of strengthening domestic legislation and policy for DRM. It places a strong emphasis on the linkages between DRM, climate change adaptation and sustainable development. Equally, it emphasizes the importance of integrating the protection and inclusion of vulnerable groups into relevant disaster laws and policies to ensure that no one is left behind in DRM activities.

The resolution reaffirms the role of the International Conference as one of the key international forum for continued dialogue on the strengthening of disaster laws, rules and policies. It follows several earlier resolutions on disaster law, namely Resolution 1 – Final Goal 3.2 of the 28th International Conference, Resolution 4 of the 30th International Conference, Resolution 7 of the 31st International Conference and Resolution 6 of the 32nd International Conference.

The resolution recognizes the new Checklist on Law and Disaster Preparedness and Response (the DPR Checklist) as a non-binding but important assessment tool to help States to review domestic legal frameworks for preparedness and response at the national, provincial and local level. It invites States to use the DPR Checklist to evaluate and improve the content and implementation of their laws, regulations and policies. It also encourages National Societies to continue to provide advice and support to their governments in this regard.

Some of the actions to be taken following the 33rd International Conference

By State members

Use the new Checklist on Law and Disaster Preparedness and Response to evaluate and improve laws, regulations and policies relating to disaster preparedness and response.
Use law and policy to introduce innovative mechanisms for disaster risk management, such as anticipatory finance and risk transfer mechanisms.
Consider whether domestic disaster laws, policies, strategies and plans protect the most vulnerable to ensure that no one is left behind in disaster risk management activities.
Contribute resources to National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to support their work in disaster risk management and climate change adaptation.

By the Movement

Continue to support States in the field of disaster law through technical assistance for the review and strengthening of disaster-related laws, policies, plans and procedures.
Continue to conduct innovative research on disaster law and to develop guidance documents on best practice at the domestic level.
Scale up efforts to promote disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation action at the community level, including nature-based solutions.
Cooperate with States and regional organizations to strengthen links between humanitarian, development and climate change adaptation efforts.

Adopted resolution of the 33rd International Conference

Resolution 7 – Disaster laws and policies that leave no one behind
- Adopted resolution (33IC/19/R7)
- Background document (33IC/19/12.5)
- Annex: The Checklist on Law and Disaster Preparedness and Response

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Related pledges

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