The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and Persons with Disabilities
Abstract
In this paper, the Sendai Framework for
Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 (SFDRR) is evaluated
with respect to its ramifications for persons with disabilities.
In the SFDRR, persons with disabilities were referenced
either directly or indirectly as part of the preamble,
the guiding principles, the priorities for action, and the role
of stakeholders. In addition, the 2015 World Conference on
Disaster Risk Reduction, during which the SFDRR was
adopted, incorporated explicit recommendations toward a
disability-accessible and inclusive environment not evident
in previous disaster risk reduction conferences. The infusion
of disability-related terms and concepts such as
accessibility, inclusion, and universal design throughout
the SFDRR document was significant. These concepts,
which have their origin in disability studies, are used in the
SFDRR document to refer to the needs of all in disaster,
not only to people with disabilities. These disability-related
concepts will now serve the field of disaster risk reduction
as important overarching disaster-related principles. The
authors conclude that the SFDRR has firmly established
people with disabilities and their advocacy organizations as
legitimate stakeholders and actors in the design and
implementation of international disaster risk reduction
policies.
Subject
DisabilitiesInternational policy
Sendai framework for disaster risk reduction
World conference on disaster risk reduction