International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction 2024

IOM Director General Amy E. Pope's Message on International Disaster Risk Reduction Day

DG Amy Pope: "We Need to Invest More in Disaster Preparedness, Build Capacity of Young People to Protect Themselves and Rebuild their Communities.
 
EN I FR I ES

International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) is celebrated on the 13th of October to promote a global culture of disaster risk reduction (DRR). It aims to raise awareness and call for citizens and governments to take part in building more disaster-resilient communities and nations.

This year's campaign is celebrated under the theme "Empowering the next generation for a resilient future".

IOM stands with UNDRR and our partners in promoting the following key messages for the 2024 IDDRR:

• The increasing frequency and intensity of disasters, exacerbated by climate change and environmental degradation, disproportionately impact vulnerable populations, including young people. IOM prioritizes their protection and empowerment in all disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation efforts.
• Every child and youth has the right to live in a safe and healthy environment, free from the threat of disasters and displacement. IOM invests in education, skills development, and livelihood opportunities to empower young people to build resilient communities and adapt to the challenges of a changing climate.
• Schools and education facilities play a vital role in promoting a culture of disaster prevention and resilience. IOM emphasizes ensuring that these spaces are safe, inclusive, and accessible to all children and youth, including those affected by migration and displacement.
• Early warning systems and disaster preparedness education must be inclusive of young people, ensuring they have the knowledge and tools to protect themselves and their communities in the face of disasters. 
• Building the resilience and adaptive capacity of young people can have a ripple effect, strengthening the resilience of entire families and communities. IOM invests in youth-led initiatives and empowers them to be leaders in disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation.
• Countries need to adopt child- and youth-centered policies that address the specific needs and vulnerabilities of young people in the context of climate change, disasters, and migration. This includes integrating their voices and perspectives into decision-making processes and allocating resources for implementing youth-focused programs. The Guiding Principles for Children on the Move in the Context of Climate Change provides a framework for such policies, emphasizing the importance of considering the best interests of the child, ensuring their safety and security, and facilitating access to essential services.
• The international community must recognize the complex interplay of climate change, disasters, environmental degradation, and human mobility, particularly its impact on young people. IOM advocates for comprehensive and inclusive approaches that address the root causes of vulnerability and empower young people to build a more sustainable and resilient future.
• Over 1 billion children have had their lives disrupted by disasters since 2000, with over 80,000 schools damaged or destroyed. IOM calls on governments and partners to act now to protect children, educators, staff, & schools through a multi-hazard approach to school safety.
• IOM calls on governments and partners to commit to implementing the Comprehensive School Safety Framework to protect children, educators, staff, & schools, advocating for a multi-hazard approach to school safety.

More information can be found on https://iddrr.undrr.org/