Climate and disaster displacement: The importance of disaster law and policy – Factsheet
This fact sheet provides an overview and recommendations on the importance of Disaster Law and Policy for addressing displacement in the context of disasters and climate change.
Disaster Law and Policy is an integral, but often under-explored, aspect of the integrated approach necessary to addressing climate displacement including planned relocations.
Most countries have some form of disaster risk management system that is underpinned by one or more laws. These frameworks establish the legal basis for all aspects of disaster risk management from risk reduction, to preparedness, response and recovery and provide the enabling environment for actions downstream. Disaster law helps to clarify roles and responsibilities and coordination mechanisms for disaster risk management across sectors as well as from national to local level.
Used effectively, disaster law and policy can support more integrated approaches and institutional mechanisms for coordination on displacement across sectors and from national to community level. They can also mandate the involvement of at-risk populations such as displaced populations or those at risk of displacement, to be engaged in risk analysis, planning and decision-making.
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