TS10: World Reconstruction Conference Thematic Session 10: Protecting and Empowering Vulnerable Groups in Recovery

Description

Disasters are not neutral. They compound social exclusion and existing vulnerabilities. Reconstruction and recovery interventions are also not neutral. They can increase, reinforce, or reduce existing inequalities. Sustainable recovery requires a clear understanding of the pre-existing factors that contributed to the vulnerability of the poor before the disaster and an understanding of how relief, recovery and reconstruction interventions can often reinforce those vulnerabilities. This session will demonstrate how support can be designed to upgrade living standards of the poor, enable the marginalized to participate, and establish mechanisms between affected citizens and government to foster accountability.