What is Disaster Law?

Yearbook of International Disaster Law

IFRC Disaster Law Database

IDEAL Net (International Disaster, Emergency and Law Network)

Information Sheets

These Information Sheets provide a brief overview of the application of law in disaster contexts:

International Disaster Law: Information Sheet No.1 IDL February 2018
International disaster law (IDL) focuses on the legal issues arising from the preparation for, response to and recovery from different natural hazards, such as earthquakes or storms, as well as human-made disasters such as large-scale industrial accidents.

Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR): Information Sheet No.2 DRR February 2018
Disaster risk reduction is the concept and practice of reducing disaster risks through systemic efforts. It therefore encompasses a broad range of activities – from ensuring that legislative and policy approaches reflect known hazards, to community-based initiatives and technical solutions such as early warning systems.

Gender Based Violence in Disasters: Information Sheet No.3 GBV in Disasters March 2018
Gender based violence (GBV) is any act or threat of harm inflicted on a person because of their gender. Specific factors which can facilitate increased rates of GBV during a disaster include: the weakening of community and institutional protection mechanisms; disruption of services and community life; destruction of infrastructure; separation of families; displacement; and limited access to justice and health services.

Gender Based Violence in Disasters: Information Sheet No.3 GBV in Disasters March 2018

Gender based violence (GBV) is any act or threat of harm inflicted on a person because of their gender. Specific factors which can facilitate increased rates of GBV during a disaster include: the weakening of community and institutional protection mechanisms; disruption of services and community life; destruction of infrastructure; separation of families; displacement; and limited access to justice and health services.

Human Rights in Disasters: Information Sheet No.4 Human Rights in Disasters March 2018
International human rights law is equally applicable in disasters. So local, regional and national authorities have the responsibility to protect, respect and fulfil the human rights of all those affected by disasters. If a state cannot fulfil its minimum core obligations towards those in need, it has an obligation to accept or request assistance from other states.

Disaster Displacement: Information Sheet No.5 Disaster Displacement February 2018
Displacement in the context of disasters is a global and increasing phenomenon. Since 2008, disasters stemming from natural hazards have displaced an average of 24.6 million people each year – the equivalent to one person per second.

Children’s Rights in Disasters: Information Sheet No.6 Children’s Rights in Disasters March 2018
Children are highly vulnerable to disasters, in part due to their young age, dependency needs and developmental status. In disasters nearly all the rights of children are implicated – ranging from basic survival to freedom from abuse and exploitation, and access to health care and education. All too often, at the critical juncture following a major disaster, children are relegated to the margins.

Children’s Rights in Disasters: Information Sheet No.6 Children’s Rights in Disasters March 2018

Children are highly vulnerable to disasters, in part due to their young age, dependency needs and developmental status. In disasters nearly all the rights of children are implicated – ranging from basic survival to freedom from abuse and exploitation, and access to health care and education. All too often, at the critical juncture following a major disaster, children are relegated to the margins.

Centre for Criminal Justice and Human Rights

Faculty of Law, University College Cork, Ireland