Partner Event at RCRC Conference: Advancing the Protection of Persons in the Event of Disasters

The event featured a distinguished lineup of speakers, starting with keynote speaker Mr. Jagan Chapagain, Secretary General of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). The panel discussion was moderated by Mr. Frank Mohrhauer, IFRC’s Director of National Society Development Services. The panelists included Ms. Irene Dumlao, Assistant Secretary for the Disaster Response and Management Group at the Department of Social Welfare and Development in the Philippines; and Ms. Jenty Kirsch-Wood, Head of Global Risk Management & Reporting and Senior Programme Management Officer at the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR).

The Draft Articles on the Protection of Persons in the Event of Disasters (PPED), adopted by the International Law Commission (ILC) in 2016, aim to establish international guidelines to ensure the safety, dignity, and rights of people affected by disasters. 18 draft articles outline key responsibilities of states and emphasize the importance of international cooperation in disaster response. Article 9 focuses on disaster risk reduction, requiring states to implement measures such as risk assessments, legislative and regulatory protections, early warning systems, and information sharing to prevent, mitigate, and prepare for disasters.

In October 2023, during the Working Group held at the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly Sixth Committee, a majority of States expressed a renewed interest in seriously considering and discussing the need for a global treaty on the protection of persons in the event of disaster. After the Working Group convenes during the UNGA’s 79th session in October – November 2024, a recommendation to the UNGA on further action to be taken in respect of the Draft Articles is expected.

At the side event, H.E. Ambassador Carlos D. Sorreta, Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the United Nations Office in Geneva in his welcome remarks highlighted the increasing frequency of disasters which demand urgent, sustainable, and financial assistance.

He described the devastating impact of recent typhoons in the Philippines and emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing these crises. He underscored the importance of respecting legal principles and guidance and raised the key question on how to balance state sovereignty with the overwhelming need for assistance during disasters. In this context, he called for collective action to strengthen legal frameworks that can better protect affected persons, ensuring that humanitarian principles are integrated into disaster response and recovery efforts.

The Keynote Speaker for the event was Mr. Jagan Chapagain, Secretary General of IFRC who said,

“The Philippines government is heavily focused on human dignity and human rights, especially for migrants and migrant workers particularly in the context of climate change and disasters.”

He echoed the Philippines’ concerns about existing gaps in international disaster law stressing that:

“the absence of a clear legal framework for disaster regulation is a serious problem. Some states overregulate, leaving little room for flexibility, while others underregulate, leading to unqualified personnel handling critical situations.”

Chapagain advocated for the creation of a robust legal foundation for disaster response, noting that:

“a new convention on the protection of persons in the event of disasters will be groundbreaking.”

Ms. Irene Dumlao, Assistant Secretary for Disaster Response and Management Group (DRMG) at the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philippines presented the country’s robust disaster risk reduction (DRR) strategies. She highlighted that the Philippines has developed a comprehensive framework for DRR that includes mitigation, preparedness, and resilience-building efforts.

“Timely action, sustained recovery, and public awareness are key components of our strategy,” Dumlao stated, emphasizing the importance of aligning these efforts with international frameworks.

Ms. Jenty Kirsch-Wood from the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) referred to Article 9 of the 2016 Draft Articles on the PPED highlighting the importance of understanding risk and implementing effective disaster mitigation strategies.

She noted that

“Despite the Sendai Framework’s guidance, the world continues to face unprecedented disasters, from wildfires to storms. Resilience saves lives and we need greater investment in resilience-building measures which can yield substantial dividends. The impact of displacement is devastating on affected communities and they endure a loss of dignity and face severe suffering.”

Ms. Kirsch-Wood stressed the usefulness of a universally binding legal framework in fostering collaboration among nations, mobilizing and disseminating resources, and setting rights-based standards. She sees a particular need for risk assessments and the dissemination of loss information.

The panel agreed that one of the ways in which disasters affect people and put them in need of protection is displacement.

Concluding remarks for the side event were provided by H.E. Ms. Fancy Chepkemoi Too, Permanent Representative of Kenya to the UN in Geneva, who stressed the importance of advancing the protection of persons in the event of disasters through building resilience measures by utilizing national, regional, and international legal instruments.

She said “Kenya is currently chairing the Platform on Disaster Displacement which aims at providing awareness and policy assistance around greater protection to people displaced in the context of disasters and the adverse effects of climate change. Together, we have five major priorities highlighted in PDD’s Strategy 2024-2030 that highlight strategies on preventing displacements, building resilience and imparting solutions for people.”

Header Image: PDD