Post-2015 Disaster Risk Reduction framework is disability-inclusive

High-level Partnership Dialogue on Inclusive Disaster Risk Management (DRM) at the world conference, Japan, showing the level of inclusion (sign interpretation and ramps)
CBM

CBM welcomes the new framework on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), which promises greater resilience for all of society.

Whole of society

CBM welcomes the Post-2015 Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), which was officially adopted on Wednesday 18th March 2015 at the Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Sendai, Japan. 

The many references to disability inclusion in this document are a substantial improvement on the preceding framework. They will provide a comprehensive platform from which DRR work in the coming years will be able to increase resilience to natural events, benefiting not only persons with disabilities but society as a whole.

The Sendai conference itself was the first international meeting of its kind to provide a wide range of accessibility features. As a result, more than 200 persons with disabilities (including CBM staff) actively participated, as delegates, speakers, panellists, and contributors.


DRR implementation – and all post-2015 frameworks – must retain momentum of inclusion

Persons with disabilities are disproportionately impacted by disasters, and CBM strongly supports the recognition that their active participation is essential in the implementation of DRR activities. The incorporation of the principles of Universal Design and commitment to disaggregate data by disability, gender and age will build safer, more accessible communities.
CBM urges states to carry this momentum forward, and ensure that the implementation reflects this inclusion. Delivering on these commitments will mean true alignment with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Furthermore, the new DRR framework sets a precedent: CBM urges states to build and adopt similar post-2015 frameworks with the same focus on inclusion, ensuring consistency, and a safer, more sustainable future for all.

Humanitarian Action

CBM working with local partners to ensure that people with disabilities are included at all levels of disaster preparedness and response


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