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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

Reporting on resolution

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The Conference organizers want to hear from States and National Societies about how they have been implementing their commitments from the 33rd International Conference. You can submit a short and simple progress report at any time by filling in the online reporting form. This information will be gathered periodically to assess the level of implementation and highlight the progress made

(To access the online reporting form, Conference members are required to log into the system with their username and password. There is only one user account per member and only one representative from each National Society or State member has access to the reporting form and is able to submit a report. However, multiple reports can be submitted. Please refer to the reporting user guide section on the follow-up on the outcomes of the 33rd International Conference page (https://rcrcconference.org/about/reporting/) for information on how to report, log in and retrieve information from the database)

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Related activities

Law and Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Report launch

8 July 2021

virtual event

Organized by: IFRC

Join IFRC Secretary General Jagan Chapagain and a high-level panel for the launch of the new report and the sharing of best legal practices and lessons in the management of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Please click here for more information

Launch of the Disaster Law Database

30 June 2021 (past event)

Organized by : IFRC and Roma Tre University’s Jean Monnet Project “Disseminating Disaster Law for Europe”

Webinar Yearbook of International Disaster Law “COVID-19: An International Disaster Law Perspective”

October 2020 (past event)

Organized at the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights, in cooperation with the IFRC Disaster Law Programme and the Jean Monnet Project “Disseminating Disaster Law for Europe”

Past event (view video recording of the event)

Other news and events on disaster law

Please visit the news and events page at the IFRC Disaster Law website to view other events related to disaster law

Go to news and events page at the IFRC Disaster Law website

Planet: Red Summit “tackling the humanitarian impact of climate change and pandemics. Together”

12 – 14 October 2021 (past event)

Organized by: IFRC and ICRC

View recordings of the sessions and keynotes

Climate Red Summit

September 2020 (past event)

organized by: IFRC

Please visit the Climate Red Summit website to view the video recordings of the summit

Go to the Climate Red Summit website

Related documents

Related pledges

Reporting on pledges related to this resolution

Please click here to view all pledges made at the 33rd International Conference related to this resolution. To report on a pledge submitted or signed, please click on the title of the selected pledge.

(To access the online reporting form, Conference members are required to log into the system with their username and password. There is only one user account per member, and only one representative from each National Society or State member has access to the reporting form and is able to submit a report.  However, multiple reports can be submitted.  Please refer to the reporting user guide section on the follow-up on the outcomes of the 33rd International Conference page (https://rcrcconference.org/about/reporting/) for more information on how to report, log in and retrieve information from the database)
View related pledges
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