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Disaster law
Virtual exhibition
2023
Prepare, Be Ready, Respond:
Advocating for effective disaster laws
A Red Cross Virtual Exhibition
The Virtual Exhibition
Introduction to Disaster Law: Legal preparedness for disasters
Jessie Jordan of the IFRC describes disaster law as a foundation for effective disaster risk management. She explains the development of the IDRL Guidelines and other tools developed by IFRC, and its relevance to the Caribbean.
For an effective disaster risk management framework, laws and
policies are critical to ensure institutions are properly established, actors understand their roles and responsibilities, resources are properly allocated, and compliance and coordination mechanisms are in place. Gaps within the legal and policy framework can reuslt in communities being more vulnerable to risk, ultimately resulting in more serious disaster impacts and greater challenges in coordinating response and reduced capacities to recover quickly.
IFRC has developed key guidance documents to support states to strengthen their disaster laws and policies.
Click the Resources button to access IFRC's key guidance documents for Disaster Law.
For an effective disaster risk management framework, laws and
policies are critical to ensure institutions are properly established, actors understand their roles and responsibilities, resources are properly allocated, and compliance and coordination mechanisms are in place. Gaps within the legal and policy framework can reuslt in communities being more vulnerable to risk, ultimately resulting in more serious disaster impacts and greater challenges in coordinating response and reduced capacities to recover quickly.
IFRC has developed key guidance documents to support states to strengthen their disaster laws and policies.
Click the Resources button to access IFRC's key guidance documents for Disaster Law.
Resilience building post Hurricane Maria: Cultivating a culture of disaster risk reduction
Don Corriette of the Dominica Red Cross explains how the Red Cross helped farmers get back to their farms after Hurricane Maria destroyed their livelihoods.
One of the ways to build resilience in communities is to develop a culture of disaster risk reduction. Laws and policies can help to mainstream disaster risk reduction into all aspects of the country's development agenda. It can provide incentives for reducing risk, by encouraging better land use and building practices, promoting behavioural change through education and promoting a culture of compliance with safety codes and regulations.
Click the Resources button to access disaster law reports for Dominica on Disaster Risk Reduction and International Disaster Response Law.
One of the ways to build resilience in communities is to develop a culture of disaster risk reduction. Laws and policies can help to mainstream disaster risk reduction into all aspects of the country's development agenda. It can provide incentives for reducing risk, by encouraging better land use and building practices, promoting behavioural change through education and promoting a culture of compliance with safety codes and regulations.
Click the Resources button to access disaster law reports for Dominica on Disaster Risk Reduction and International Disaster Response Law.
Revisiting La Soufriere: Legal facilities for humanitarian actors
Dora James of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Red Cross recounts her experience the day of the eruption, the preparations for evacuation and the aftermath.
To avoid bottlenecks in the humanitarian supply chain and to ensure standards of quality in providing disaster relief, it is recommended that legal facilities, like tax exemptions, be provided only to trusted humanitarian actors. Eligibility to receive legal facilities should be based on specific criteria and can be established pre-disaster. This criteria should assess whether the humanitarian actor has the capacity and willingness to abide by the laws of the affected state, and a proven track record for maintaining minimum standards of quality in delivering humanitarian assistance.
Click the Resources button to access the St. Vincent and the Grenadines International Disaster Response Law (IDRL) Report.
To avoid bottlenecks in the humanitarian supply chain and to ensure standards of quality in providing disaster relief, it is recommended that legal facilities, like tax exemptions, be provided only to trusted humanitarian actors. Eligibility to receive legal facilities should be based on specific criteria and can be established pre-disaster. This criteria should assess whether the humanitarian actor has the capacity and willingness to abide by the laws of the affected state, and a proven track record for maintaining minimum standards of quality in delivering humanitarian assistance.
Click the Resources button to access the St. Vincent and the Grenadines International Disaster Response Law (IDRL) Report.
Optimizing the auxiliary
role of the Jamaica Red Cross
Allasandra Chung and Kevin Douglas of the Jamaica Red Cross describe the journey of the National Society in overcoming challenges in the recognition of the auxiliary role.
The auxiliary role of a Red Cross National Society is a unique legal status. They are not NGOs, but they are private organisations with certain recognised public functions. The auxiliary status is most valuable when its contents are clearly defined, and where the National Society and the public authorities pursue a balanced partnership with clear and mutual responsibilities. Anchoring the auxiliary role in laws and policies can help to strengthen the legal foundation of a National Society which allows for the National Society to effectively support the public authorities in accomplishing their humanitarian objectives.
Click the Resources button to access a policy brief on Updating Jamaica's Red Cross Act to facilitate its auxiliary role.
The auxiliary role of a Red Cross National Society is a unique legal status. They are not NGOs, but they are private organisations with certain recognised public functions. The auxiliary status is most valuable when its contents are clearly defined, and where the National Society and the public authorities pursue a balanced partnership with clear and mutual responsibilities. Anchoring the auxiliary role in laws and policies can help to strengthen the legal foundation of a National Society which allows for the National Society to effectively support the public authorities in accomplishing their humanitarian objectives.
Click the Resources button to access a policy brief on Updating Jamaica's Red Cross Act to facilitate its auxiliary role.
Facing Hurricane Dorian: Managing disaster response and recovery
Alicia Pinder of The Bahamas Red Cross remembers the devastation of Hurricane Dorian and the challenges faced during response and recovery.
Managing influxes of unsolicited donations has become a key feature of major disaster response operations. The development of a policy on unsolicited donations as part of a national disaster preparedness and response plan can support in reducing the negative impacts of unsolicited donations to an emergency operation. This can include procedures for developing and communicating Official Needs Lists as well as key messaging on donating responsibly.
Click the Resources button to access disaster law reports for The Bahamas on Unsolicited Bilateral Donations and Disaster Recovery.
Managing influxes of unsolicited donations has become a key feature of major disaster response operations. The development of a policy on unsolicited donations as part of a national disaster preparedness and response plan can support in reducing the negative impacts of unsolicited donations to an emergency operation. This can include procedures for developing and communicating Official Needs Lists as well as key messaging on donating responsibly.
Click the Resources button to access disaster law reports for The Bahamas on Unsolicited Bilateral Donations and Disaster Recovery.
Sitting down with the IDRL Working Group: Improving international humanitarian assistance in the Caribbean
Colonel (ret'd) Nazrul Hussain, Lily Bowman, Dr. Nicole Greenidge and Jessie Jordan of the IDRL Working Group discuss real-life challenges in responding to disasters and the potential positive impacts of the IDRL Working Group.
Following the Caribbean IDRL Workshop in 2021, IFRC and CDEMA jointly committed to pursuing the establishment of an IDRL Working Group to provide Caribbean-specific perspectives, insights and recommendations for improving the regional regulatory framework for the facilitation and coordination of international disaster relief within the context of Comprehensive Disaster Management. This Working Group was established in September 2022 and comprises National Societies, National Disaster Organisations, regional organisations with responsibility for ports, customs and security, IFRC and CDEMA.
Following the Caribbean IDRL Workshop in 2021, IFRC and CDEMA jointly committed to pursuing the establishment of an IDRL Working Group to provide Caribbean-specific perspectives, insights and recommendations for improving the regional regulatory framework for the facilitation and coordination of international disaster relief within the context of Comprehensive Disaster Management. This Working Group was established in September 2022 and comprises National Societies, National Disaster Organisations, regional organisations with responsibility for ports, customs and security, IFRC and CDEMA.
Highlights of the Caribbean IDRL Workshop (Nov 2021)
Anchor 1
Creating a network to advance IDRL in the Caribbean
Recognizing the need to continually improve and adapt to the increasing complexities of disasters, the IFRC and the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) and the French Red Cross, PIRAC held a virtual: Caribbean International Disaster Response Law (IDRL) Workshop on November 17-19, 2021.
Within the framework of an INTERREG “READY Together” Project, which seeks to enhance disaster resilience in the Caribbean, this workshop was conceptualized to examine ways in which the existing regional framework and its mechanisms can be strengthened through IDRL principles. Taking into consideration the doctrine of Comprehensive Disaster Management (CDM), this workshop aimed to facilitate the advancement of a Caribbean perspective on regionally appropriate regulatory standards that are aligned to current international best practices in IDRL.
A key outcome of this workshop was the commitment between IFRC and CDEMA to establish an IDRL Working Group which would be responsible for advancing the recommendations of the workshop through the development of Caribbean protocols and regulatory standards for the strengthening of the existing regulatory framework in the area of international humanitarian assistance. This would include the development of a regional IDRL protocol or regulation. This IDRL Working Group was eventually established in September 2022.
Ariel Kestens
Head of Delegation for the Dutch and English-speaking
Caribbean, IFRC urges states to consider how IDRL principles can enhance domestic and regional capacities for international humanitarian assistance.
Caribbean, IFRC urges states to consider how IDRL principles can enhance domestic and regional capacities for international humanitarian assistance.
Elizabeth Riley
Executive Director, CDEMA acknowledges the need to update the current Model CDM Legislation of 2013 based on new research, experiences and lessons learned over the past decade.
Terez Curry
President of The Bahamas Red Cross, describes how
the Red Cross helped in the management of dead bodies to ensure there was dignity for the many unidentified bodies in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian.
the Red Cross helped in the management of dead bodies to ensure there was dignity for the many unidentified bodies in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian.
Tania Chambers
Legal Consultant, analyses how Caribbean disaster
laws and policies are not scaled to manage a major disaster event and proposes recommendations to address the risks associated with an influx of humanitarian actors.
laws and policies are not scaled to manage a major disaster event and proposes recommendations to address the risks associated with an influx of humanitarian actors.
Anwar Baksh
Planning and Development Officer, Office of Disaster
Preparedness and Management (Trinidad and Tobago) shares how the sessions of the workshop positively impacted the work of the ODPM to identify gaps within its regulatory framework and support the ongoing work to develop a new CDM policy and legislation.
Preparedness and Management (Trinidad and Tobago) shares how the sessions of the workshop positively impacted the work of the ODPM to identify gaps within its regulatory framework and support the ongoing work to develop a new CDM policy and legislation.
Terece Bootle Laing
Abaco Administrator, describes the specific challenges faced by vulnerable groups, namely women, children, disabled and the elderly during the recovery phase after Hurricane Dorian.
Jasen Penn
Director, Department of Disaster Management, Virgin
Islands (UK), recalls the devastation of Hurricane Irma and Maria and the key lessons learned in coordination and communication in the response.
Islands (UK), recalls the devastation of Hurricane Irma and Maria and the key lessons learned in coordination and communication in the response.
Ariel Kestens
Head of Delegation for the Dutch and English-speaking
Caribbean, IFRC urges states to consider how IDRL principles can enhance domestic and regional capacities for international humanitarian assistance.
Caribbean, IFRC urges states to consider how IDRL principles can enhance domestic and regional capacities for international humanitarian assistance.
Elizabeth Riley
Executive Director, CDEMA acknowledges the need to update the current Model CDM Legislation of 2013 based on new research, experiences and lessons learned over the past decade.
Terez Curry
President of The Bahamas Red Cross, describes how
the Red Cross helped in the management of dead bodies to ensure there was dignity for the many unidentified bodies in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian.
the Red Cross helped in the management of dead bodies to ensure there was dignity for the many unidentified bodies in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian.
Tania Chambers
Legal Consultant, analyses how Caribbean disaster
laws and policies are not scaled to manage a major disaster event and proposes recommendations to address the risks associated with an influx of humanitarian actors.
laws and policies are not scaled to manage a major disaster event and proposes recommendations to address the risks associated with an influx of humanitarian actors.
Anwar Baksh
Planning and Development Officer, Office of Disaster
Preparedness and Management (Trinidad and Tobago) shares how the sessions of the workshop positively impacted the work of the ODPM to identify gaps within its regulatory framework and support the ongoing work to develop a new CDM policy and legislation.
Preparedness and Management (Trinidad and Tobago) shares how the sessions of the workshop positively impacted the work of the ODPM to identify gaps within its regulatory framework and support the ongoing work to develop a new CDM policy and legislation.
Terece Bootle Laing
Abaco Administrator, describes the specific challenges faced by vulnerable groups, namely women, children, disabled and the elderly during the recovery phase after Hurricane Dorian.
Jasen Penn
Director, Department of Disaster Management, Virgin
Islands (UK), recalls the devastation of Hurricane Irma and Maria and the key lessons learned in coordination and communication in the response.
Islands (UK), recalls the devastation of Hurricane Irma and Maria and the key lessons learned in coordination and communication in the response.
Ariel Kestens
Head of Delegation for the Dutch and English-speaking
Caribbean, IFRC urges states to consider how IDRL principles can enhance domestic and regional capacities for international humanitarian assistance.
Caribbean, IFRC urges states to consider how IDRL principles can enhance domestic and regional capacities for international humanitarian assistance.
Elizabeth Riley
Executive Director, CDEMA acknowledges the need to update the current Model CDM Legislation of 2013 based on new research, experiences and lessons learned over the past decade.
Terez Curry
President of The Bahamas Red Cross, describes how
the Red Cross helped in the management of dead bodies to ensure there was dignity for the many unidentified bodies in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian.
the Red Cross helped in the management of dead bodies to ensure there was dignity for the many unidentified bodies in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian.
Tania Chambers
Legal Consultant, analyses how Caribbean disaster
laws and policies are not scaled to manage a major disaster event and proposes recommendations to address the risks associated with an influx of humanitarian actors.
laws and policies are not scaled to manage a major disaster event and proposes recommendations to address the risks associated with an influx of humanitarian actors.
Anwar Baksh
Planning and Development Officer, Office of Disaster
Preparedness and Management (Trinidad and Tobago) shares how the sessions of the workshop positively impacted the work of the ODPM to identify gaps within its regulatory framework and support the ongoing work to develop a new CDM policy and legislation.
Preparedness and Management (Trinidad and Tobago) shares how the sessions of the workshop positively impacted the work of the ODPM to identify gaps within its regulatory framework and support the ongoing work to develop a new CDM policy and legislation.
Terece Bootle Laing
Abaco Administrator, describes the specific challenges faced by vulnerable groups, namely women, children, disabled and the elderly during the recovery phase after Hurricane Dorian.
Jasen Penn
Director, Department of Disaster Management, Virgin
Islands (UK), recalls the devastation of Hurricane Irma and Maria and the key lessons learned in coordination and communication in the response.
Islands (UK), recalls the devastation of Hurricane Irma and Maria and the key lessons learned in coordination and communication in the response.
Ariel Kestens
Head of Delegation for the Dutch and English-speaking
Caribbean, IFRC urges states to consider how IDRL principles can enhance domestic and regional capacities for international humanitarian assistance.
Caribbean, IFRC urges states to consider how IDRL principles can enhance domestic and regional capacities for international humanitarian assistance.
Elizabeth Riley
Executive Director, CDEMA acknowledges the need to update the current Model CDM Legislation of 2013 based on new research, experiences and lessons learned over the past decade.
Terez Curry
President of The Bahamas Red Cross, describes how
the Red Cross helped in the management of dead bodies to ensure there was dignity for the many unidentified bodies in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian.
the Red Cross helped in the management of dead bodies to ensure there was dignity for the many unidentified bodies in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian.
Tania Chambers
Legal Consultant, analyses how Caribbean disaster
laws and policies are not scaled to manage a major disaster event and proposes recommendations to address the risks associated with an influx of humanitarian actors.
laws and policies are not scaled to manage a major disaster event and proposes recommendations to address the risks associated with an influx of humanitarian actors.
Anwar Baksh
Planning and Development Officer, Office of Disaster
Preparedness and Management (Trinidad and Tobago) shares how the sessions of the workshop positively impacted the work of the ODPM to identify gaps within its regulatory framework and support the ongoing work to develop a new CDM policy and legislation.
Preparedness and Management (Trinidad and Tobago) shares how the sessions of the workshop positively impacted the work of the ODPM to identify gaps within its regulatory framework and support the ongoing work to develop a new CDM policy and legislation.
Terece Bootle Laing
Abaco Administrator, describes the specific challenges faced by vulnerable groups, namely women, children, disabled and the elderly during the recovery phase after Hurricane Dorian.
Jasen Penn
Director, Department of Disaster Management, Virgin
Islands (UK), recalls the devastation of Hurricane Irma and Maria and the key lessons learned in coordination and communication in the response.
Islands (UK), recalls the devastation of Hurricane Irma and Maria and the key lessons learned in coordination and communication in the response.
Ariel Kestens
Head of Delegation for the Dutch and English-speaking
Caribbean, IFRC urges states to consider how IDRL principles can enhance domestic and regional capacities for international humanitarian assistance.
Caribbean, IFRC urges states to consider how IDRL principles can enhance domestic and regional capacities for international humanitarian assistance.
Elizabeth Riley
Executive Director, CDEMA acknowledges the need to update the current Model CDM Legislation of 2013 based on new research, experiences and lessons learned over the past decade.
Terez Curry
President of The Bahamas Red Cross, describes how
the Red Cross helped in the management of dead bodies to ensure there was dignity for the many unidentified bodies in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian.
the Red Cross helped in the management of dead bodies to ensure there was dignity for the many unidentified bodies in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian.
Tania Chambers
Legal Consultant, analyses how Caribbean disaster
laws and policies are not scaled to manage a major disaster event and proposes recommendations to address the risks associated with an influx of humanitarian actors.
laws and policies are not scaled to manage a major disaster event and proposes recommendations to address the risks associated with an influx of humanitarian actors.
Anwar Baksh
Planning and Development Officer, Office of Disaster
Preparedness and Management (Trinidad and Tobago) shares how the sessions of the workshop positively impacted the work of the ODPM to identify gaps within its regulatory framework and support the ongoing work to develop a new CDM policy and legislation.
Preparedness and Management (Trinidad and Tobago) shares how the sessions of the workshop positively impacted the work of the ODPM to identify gaps within its regulatory framework and support the ongoing work to develop a new CDM policy and legislation.
Terece Bootle Laing
Abaco Administrator, describes the specific challenges faced by vulnerable groups, namely women, children, disabled and the elderly during the recovery phase after Hurricane Dorian.
Jasen Penn
Director, Department of Disaster Management, Virgin
Islands (UK), recalls the devastation of Hurricane Irma and Maria and the key lessons learned in coordination and communication in the response.
Islands (UK), recalls the devastation of Hurricane Irma and Maria and the key lessons learned in coordination and communication in the response.
The Red Cross Virtual Exhibition is funded by the READY 360 Project led by the French Red Cross, through its Regional Intervention Platform for the Americas and the Caribbean (PIRAC), co-funded by the INTERREG Caribbean Program under the European Regional Development Fund.
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