Equity and inclusion in disaster risk reduction: building resilience for all
This paper builds on the recently produced ‘The future framework for disaster risk reduction: a guide for decision-makers’. This new module brings together evidence on opportunities raised by adopting an inclusive approach to ensure effective disaster risk reduction (DRR). The paper makes the case for increased attention to wider issues of vulnerability, inclusion and empowerment, which are needed to assist policy-makers and international agencies to negotiate the successor agreement to the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA).
Poor living conditions, inadequate infrastructure, a lack of income diversification and limited access to basic services, especially education and information, ensure that the poorest and most marginalised people are disproportionately affected by disasters. Committing to address the root causes of disasters will help to address peoples’ underlying vulnerabilities, increase their capacities to cope with the effects of natural hazards and facilitate empowerment processes. This can be achieved by the equal participation of all segments of society in disaster risk reduction decisions. The post-2015 framework for disaster risk reduction must recognise and build upon the strengths of local communities’ experiences of disaster risks.