Report on – 33rd IC Resolution 7: Disaster laws and policies that leave no one behind (33IC/19/R7) – Pakistan Red Crescent Society

Has your State/National Society/Institution incorporated the commitments contained in this resolution into the relevant strategic or operational plans?

The commitments are incorporated into:
Strategy
Policy
Operational plan

At the National, Local level

Explanation:

Strategy:

PRCS has integrated the principles of inclusivity and resilience as outlined in the resolution into its overall strategic planning. This includes developing comprehensive disaster management strategies that account for climate change adaptation and gender-responsive approaches.

Policy:

PRCS has updated its policies to reflect the commitments made in the resolution. This includes policies that address the rights and specific needs of vulnerable populations, ensure non-discrimination, and promote gender equality and participation in disaster risk management.

Operational Plan/Roadmap:

PRCS has incorporated the commitments into its operational plans and roadmaps. This includes implementing anticipatory finance mechanisms, social protection programs, and risk-informed pre-disaster financing. The operational plans also emphasize the use of cash and vouchers programs to assist affected people and preventive measures to reduce risks.

Has your State/National Society/Institution been working with other partners to implement the commitments contained in this resolution?

Partner with:
National Red Cross or Red Crescent Society in your country
Government and/or public authorities
ICRC/IFRC
Other National Red Cross or Red Crescent Societies
Humanitarian and development partners (e.g. UN, NGOs etc.)
Other

Examples of cooperation:

PRCS collaborates closely with other Red Crescent branches within Pakistan to ensure a unified approach to disaster risk management and climate change adaptation. This includes joint training programs, sharing resources, and coordinating response efforts during disasters

PRCS works with national and local government authorities to integrate the commitments of the resolution into national disaster laws and policies. This includes participating in policy-making processes, providing technical assistance, and ensuring that national strategies are inclusive and comprehensive.

PRCS receives support and guidance from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). This partnership involves technical assistance, capacity building, and advocacy efforts to promote the implementation of the resolution’s commitments.

PRCS collaborates with other National Societies globally to exchange best practices, participate in joint research initiatives, and coordinate international disaster response efforts. This cooperation helps in adopting innovative approaches and learning from global experiences

PRCS also works with private sector entities and community-based organizations to enhance its disaster preparedness and response capabilities. These partnerships involve resource mobilization, community engagement, and implementing innovative solutions for disaster risk management.

Others:

Joint Training Programs: PRCS and government authorities conduct joint training sessions on disaster preparedness and response, ensuring that all stakeholders are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge.

Technical Assistance from IFRC: PRCS receives technical support from IFRC to develop and implement gender-responsive disaster risk management policies.

Multi-Stakeholder Projects: PRCS participates in projects with UN agencies and NGOs to implement cash and voucher assistance programs for disaster-affected communities

Have you encountered any challenges in implementing the commitments contained in this resolution?

With challenges on:
Human resources
Funding constraints
Other

Details about challenges:

Continuous training and capacity-building efforts are required to keep staff updated on the latest practices and approaches. Limited resources for training can hinder these efforts.

Ensuring sustainable funding for long-term projects and initiatives is difficult. Many funding sources are short-term, which affects the ability to plan and execute long-term strategies effectively.

Engaging with and gaining the trust of local communities, particularly in remote or marginalized areas, can be challenging. Effective community engagement is essential for implementing inclusive disaster risk management practices

Have the commitments contained in this resolution had an impact on the work and direction of your State/National Society/Institution?

Type of Impact:
Cooperation between Government/public authorities and National Society has been strengthened
Programming and operations have become more effective and efficient
Training and capacity of staff and volunteers has increased (for National Societies)

Details about the impact:

The commitments of the resolution have led to stronger collaboration between PRCS and government bodies at various levels. This includes:

•  Enhanced joint planning efforts for disaster risk management and climate change adaptation.
•  Collaborative development of policies that incorporate the principles of inclusivity and resilience

Programming and Operations:

•  Adoption of streamlined processes and procedures has led to more efficient disaster response and recovery operations.
• Programs have become more targeted and effective in reaching vulnerable populations, ensuring no one is left behind.

Training and Capacity of Staff and Volunteers:

•  Significant increase in training programs for staff and volunteers, focusing on disaster risk management, climate change adaptation, and gender-responsive practices.
• Improved skills and knowledge among staff and volunteers, enabling them to implement the resolution’s commitments effectively.

Have the commitments contained in this resolution had an impact on the communities that your State/National Society/Institution serves?

Description of the impact:

Improved Disaster Preparedness and Response:

•  Communities now have better access to early warning systems and information, enabling them to prepare and respond more effectively to disasters.
• Increased community-level training programs have enhanced the disaster preparedness of local populations, equipping them with knowledge and skills to protect themselves and their assets.

Enhanced Resilience:

•  Implementation of resilient infrastructure projects, such as flood defences has reduced the vulnerability of communities to disasters.
•  Programs aimed at diversifying and strengthening livelihoods have increased the resilience of communities, making them less dependent on single sources of income that may be disrupted by disasters.

Inclusive and Gender-Responsive Approaches:

• Special efforts have been made to include women, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities in disaster management planning and activities, ensuring their needs and perspectives are considered.
• Increased participation of community members, including marginalized groups, in decision-making processes related to disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation.

Access to Assistance:

• Introduction of cash and voucher assistance programs has provided timely and flexible support to affected households, enabling them to meet their immediate needs and recover more quickly.
• Improved access to healthcare and other essential services during and after disasters, helping communities to recover more quickly and effectively.

Community Awareness and Education:

• Conducting regular awareness campaigns on disaster risks and climate change impacts, leading to greater community awareness and proactive risk reduction measures.
• Implementation of educational programs in schools and community centres, promoting a culture of safety and resilience among the younger generation.

Environmental Sustainability:

• Initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable practices and climate change adaptation measures have helped communities to better cope with changing environmental conditions.
• Programs focused on the sustainable management of natural resources, such as water conservation and reforestation, have improved the long-term environmental resilience of communities.