Rwanda: National disaster risk reduction and management policy

The Rwanda National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Policy (2023) sets out a national framework to reduce disaster risks and strengthen resilience. It responds to increasing hazards, such as floods, landslides, droughts, and storms, driven by climate change, population growth, and environmental pressures. The policy shifts the focus from reactive disaster response to proactive risk reduction, preparedness, and long-term resilience, aligned with global frameworks like the Sendai Framework and the SDGs.
The policy is structured around four core pillars: understanding disaster risk, strengthening governance and coordination, investing in resilience across sectors, and enhancing preparedness and response systems. It emphasizes improved data and risk assessment, stronger institutional coordination at national and local levels, mainstreaming DRR into development planning, and expanding early warning systems. Implementation relies on collaboration across government, private sector, communities, and partners, with a strong focus on decentralization, community engagement, and inclusive approaches.