Disasters in the Americas: The case for legal preparedness

This report addresses three key areas where positive legislation can make a difference and where National Red Cross Societies and governments are working together to develop and roll out effective disaster laws. It does so mainly through case studies from the Dominican Republic, Colombia and Chile. In light of the massive impact of the 2010 Haiti earthquake, moreover, brief reflection is devoted to how the three areas are being addressed there.

The IFRC is also working with National Societies to study best practices in legislation for disaster risk reduction and shelter solutions for those affected by disasters. The results will be made available to states at the International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent in November 2011.

In the meantime, this report offers the following recommendations to governments in the Americas: 

• On Disaster Risk Reduction: Consider following the example of the Dominican Republic and collaborate with their National Societies to strengthen the focus on community-based disaster risk reduction in disaster management laws.
• On IDRL: Consider following the example of Colombia and collaborate with National Societies to use the IDRL Guidelines as a tool for assessing the preparedness of their existing legal and regulatory frameworks for international disaster assistance.
• On Shelter: Draw on experiences such as Chile’s and collaborate with their National Societies to assess if they are prepared to overcome legal barriers to speedy, stable and equitable shelter solutions for disaster-affected households.