Plan: Children find a better place in post-2015 disaster risk reduction framework - Press release
Turning framework into action: Children must play a key role in implementation, says Plan International
Sendai – Children and youth must play a key role as UN Member States begin to implement the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, says humanitarian and child rights organisation Plan International. The framework was agreed today in Sendai, Japan at the World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction.
According to Roger Yates, Humanitarian Director for Plan International, “Plan International is pleased with the inclusion of children and youth in the framework, but the real work is now in the implementation.”
“We must hold governments accountable to ensure that children are at the heart of all disaster risk reduction and preparedness activities," says Yates.
Key areas of child and youth inclusion in the Sendai Framework:
Children and Youth Participation:
Plan International is pleased that the framework has given room for participation on disaster risk management,particularly among children and youth, who suffer disproportionately in disasters. Plan’s work shows that children need to be involved in decision-making as kids are passionate about turning ideas into action.
Safe Schools:
In the framework, member states have agreed to reduce disaster damage to critical infrastructure and disruption of basic services. Considering that school children spend 50% of their waking time at school – and that education is often the first area compromised in a disaster – Plan International calls on world leaders to prioritise school safety and ensure that education continues even after a disaster.
Disaster Risk Reduction in Education:
Plan International recognises the framework for its promotion of disaster risk knowledge in education. With children comprising a large population in disaster-prone countries, it is imperative that they have the capacity to deal with disasters – to predict, prepare and respond. That learning begins in the classroom.
Moving forward, including children and youth in the implementation of the framework is critical.
With the new framework becoming the road map of the future, Plan International, and other child-centred organisations, have issued a clear set of implementation guidelines to ensure that governments include children and youth in their disaster risk reduction practice, policy and legislation.
Plan International is calling on governments to ensure meaningful participation of children in decision-making processes and to prioritise school safety. “It is imperative that governments not only consider children’s vulnerability to disasters, but also the pivotal role that they can play in helping to reduce the risk of disaster in their schools, homes and communities,” says Yates.
Ends
The following senior representatives from Plan International attended the UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Sendai, Japan. They are available for interview and comment:
Roger Yates, Humanitarian Director, Plan International
Unni Krishnan, Head: Disaster Preparedness and Response, Plan International
Ikuro Sato, General Manager, Plan Japan
Jacobo Ocharan, Head of Disaster Risk Reduction, Plan International
For interview requests, contact:
In Sendai, Japan: Jessica Lomelin
Email: jessica.lomelin@plan-international.org Mobile: +81 (0)80 3524 8822
Plan HQ (London): Angela Singh
Email: angela.singh@plan-international.org Mobile: +44 (0) 7773 636180
Plan Regional Office (Bangkok): Mike Bruce
Email: mike.bruce@plan-international.org Mobile: +66 (0)81 8219770
Plan Japan (Tokyo): Ryo Goto
Email: goto@plan-japan.org Mobile: +81-3-5481-6517
Notes to Editors
About Plan
Founded 77 years ago, Plan is one of the oldest andlargest children's development organisations in the world. We work in 51 developing countries across Africa, Asia and the Americas to promote child rights and lift millions of children out of poverty. Plan is independent, with no religious, political or governmental affiliations. www.plan-international.org