Disaster risk reduction in fragile and conflict affected contexts

Public event- streamlined online

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Description:

Natural hazard related disasters hit those living in fragile and conflict affected contexts hardest. Between 2004 and 2014, 58% of deaths from disasters occurred in the top 30 most fragile states. Yet, considerations of conflict are missing from the Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) policy, programming and financing architecture.

While the internationally agreed Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR) exists, it can only be achieved by developing an evidence base, policy and practice on how best to pursue DRR in conflict settings, and redirecting spending to those contexts. This will require challenging our existing assumptions and better understanding the relationship between hazards, vulnerability, exposure and types of conflict.

ODI research uncovers the political and institutional barriers to adapting DRR policy, practice and overseas development assistance to fragile or conflict-affected contexts. It reveals a hesitancy to explore the relationship between disasters and conflict, and tendency to prioritise peace and security over DRR in fragile and conflict-affected contexts. 

The event hosts open and frank discussions on why DRR policy, programming and financing has yet to be sufficiently applied to conflict and fragile contexts, exploring the following questions:

• What are some of the blockages and challenges to DRR in these contexts?
• What innovative and practical steps can be taken to support the implementation of the SFDRR in conflict and fragile settings?