The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) has recently publicized a survey revealing a disappointing lack of progress in government policies to protect people with disabilities during natural disasters over the last decade. This analysis comes just before the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, observed annually on October 13, emphasizing the urgent need for more inclusive disaster management practices.
Findings of the UNDRR’s Survey
The 2023 survey covered 6,000 respondents from 132 countries, revealing that 84% of people with disabilities are uninformed about evacuation routes, shelter homes, or personal preparedness plans. This is a significant increase from 71% in 2013. Only 11% of respondents are aware of disaster management plans in their local areas, which was down from 17% in 2013, and less than half are privy to accessible disaster risk information.
Concerns of Disabled People During Disasters
People with disabilities are at higher risk during disasters, with up to 16% of the global population having disabilities and being two to four times more likely to be killed by disasters. Despite increased desire to participate in community-level disaster planning, 86% of respondents still feel excluded, underlying the need for inclusive practices.
Suggestions from the UNDRR’s Survey
The report highlighted the interconnectedness of disasters and inequality, with unequal access to services magnifying the vulnerability of the most at-risk groups. The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 advocates for disability inclusion, accessible disaster risk information, and inclusive early warning systems. It also underscores the urgency to strengthen early warning systems, as half of the countries lack these mechanisms.
About the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030
Adopted at the Third United Nations World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in 2015 in Sendai, Japan, the framework applies to the risk of small-scale and large-scale disasters caused by natural or man-made hazards. Its goal is to direct the multi-hazard management of disaster risk in development at all levels and across all sectors. It succeeds the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA) 2005-2015.
Four Priority Areas of Action
Firstly, Understanding Disaster Risk: This aims to promote the collection, analysis, management, and use of relevant data and practical information.
Secondly, Strengthening Disaster Risk Governance to Manage Disaster Risk: It involves evaluation of technical, financial, and administrative disaster risk management capacity.
Thirdly, Investing in Disaster Risk Reduction for Resilience: This suggests resource allocation at all levels for the development and implementation of disaster risk reduction strategies, policies, plans, laws, and regulations.
Lastly, Recovery, Rehabilitation, and Reconstruction: This involves establishment of community centers for promoting public awareness, stockpiling essential materials, training workforce and volunteers, and strengthening technical and logistical capacities.
Initiatives to Empower Persons with Disabilities (PwDs)
The UN Convention on the Rights of PwD (UNCRPD), adopted in 2006, was ratified by India in 2007. The Indian Parliament enacted the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 to fulfill the obligations under the UNCRPD. Other Indian efforts towards the empowerment of persons with disabilities include constitutional provisions and legislation such as the Right of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, which increases the types of disabilities acknowledged from 7 to 21 and heightens the reservation quota for disabled people in government jobs and higher education institutions.
Accessible India Campaign
The Accessible India Campaign is a nationwide flagship campaign for achieving universal accessibility. The campaign aims at enhancing the accessibility of the built environment, transport system, and Information & communication ecosystem to enable persons with disabilities to have equal opportunities, live independently, and participate fully in all aspects of life in an inclusive society.
