ReliefWeb

The Hyogo Framework for Action on Disaster Risk Reduction (HFA) has provided critical guidance to reduce disaster risk. Its implementation has, however, highlighted gaps in addressing the underlying risk factors and effectively safeguarding communities. Evidence at the local level indicates that impacts are increasing.1 This is due to policies and plans not adequately addressing reality on the ground. In particular, this includes the constant threat of small-scale, recurrent, localized disasters.2 However, these disasters are largely unacknowledged and unrecorded, and communities are usually left to fend for themselves. Both intensive and smaller-scale chronic disasters can wipe out development gains, trap people in cycles of poverty that erode their ability to cope. Further, their impacts disproportionately impact marginalized groups including the poor, children, people with disabilities, women, the elderly, and indigenous groups.

In order to build on the successes of the HFA and address its shortcomings, the Post-2015 Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Framework must work to address reality at the local level. The new framework calls for actors to identify their roles in implementation. Below, we outline the commitments that we as Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) will make to ensure that policies are translated into meaningful impact at the local level. This will involve working together with governments and other stakeholders.