Download the file - United Nations Rule of Law

Mitigating the impacts of disasters281Box 12.3 The UN-Habitat Framework for Sustainable Relief and ReconstructionThe Framework for Sustainable Relief andReconstruction is the key guide used by UN-Habitatto support humanitarian agencies and local andnational governments, and to refine the practice ofbuilding back better. The framework builds on UN-Habitat’s experience and strength in assisting localcapacity development in pre-disaster preparednessand mitigation and in post-disaster response andreconstruction.The aim of the framework is to promotereconstruction and risk reduction strategies thatpromote longer-term sustainable development gains,as well as reduce disaster risk in human settlements.Consultation with partners has led to the elaborationof seven key thematic areas of the framework:Disaster mitigation and vulnerabilityreductionOften, the root causes of vulnerability are known,but they are seldom addressed. When building aculture of prevention, one needs to overcomepreferences for short- over long-term developmentoptions and to demonstrate the cost effectiveness ofrisk reduction over post-disaster reconstruction.The framework recommends integrating disasterrisk reduction within national and local developmentand poverty reduction plans, emphasizing risk reductionin human settlements rather thanreconstruction as the mode of managing disasterrisk, as well as the need for cross-sectoral working.Land and property administrationHousing, land and property rights are majorchallenges in reconstruction. This is often exacerbatedby the disintegration of institutions governingand protecting land and property rights after disasterand can increase social tension and add toconflict. Restitution problems requiring resolutionhave challenged reconstruction following the 2004Indian Ocean Tsunami, Hurricane Katrina in 2005and the 2005 South Asian earthquake.Longer-term shelter strategiesIt is vital to consider the long-term consequences ofpost-disaster shelter and infrastructure. The importingof prefabricated dwellings proves a cheap andeasily transportable short-term solution; butconstruction standards are often culturally inappropriate,environmentally unsustainable or not built tohazard-resistant standards. The transition fromtemporary to permanent housing continues to taketoo long and, in some cases, is never achieved. Partof the resolution of this challenge lies in planning forlong-term recovery at the initial relief stage. Thiswill also enable the more efficient use of emergencyresources.Local economic recoveryEven after disaster, affected communities have manyresources and skills that can be used as a base torebuild the local economy. Recovery and reconstructioninterventions, especially those in the shelter andinfrastructure sectors, provide a real opportunity forlocal economic recovery, and even for increasing thelocal skill and experience base. Re-establishing smallscaleproduction, support for local marketdevelopment and skill training can all be part ofshelter reconstruction programmes.Public participation and good governanceDisaster risk reduction and reconstruction areopportunities for engaging civil society actors indevelopment. Effective risk reduction can utilizeparticipatory vulnerability and risk assessments toshape local preparedness and response planning.Inclusive decision-making in recovery that includeswomen will be more likely to identify opportunitiesand challenges for ‘building back better’. The localgovernment is best positioned to coordinate publicparticipation, and a first step is to strengthen thecapacity of local government in community development,disaster preparedness and recovery planning.PartnershipsMaking best use of the limited resources availablefor risk reduction and reconstruction is facilitatedthrough the building of partnerships between allstakeholders (local, national and international), thepublic sector, civil society and the private sector,including the media. Partnerships allow individualorganizations to contribute from positions ofstrength and can control overlapping functions.Partnerships can also be a pathway for transferringskills and for developing relationships thatcontribute to development in addition toreconstruction and risk reduction work.Capacity-buildingThe integration of development and disastermanagement at the points of preparedness andrecovery provide opportunities for skills enhancement,knowledge transfer and the building ofconfidence that can empower local actors, especiallywomen. Capacity-building is often supported bylegislation and national or local vulnerability reductionplans that help to move the focus of riskmanagement away from a narrow interest in buildingstandards and engineering techniques to embracethe social, economic and institutional aspects of lifethat shape disaster risk.The opportunities for moving towards more sustainablerelief and reconstruction methods outlined inthis framework are designed to be compatible withthe objectives of the Hyogo Framework for Action.Source: UN-Habitat, 2006a, 2006dThe Hyogo Framework for Action,2005–2015International action for disaster risk reduction is given directionby the Hyogo Framework for Action, 2005–2015:Building the Resilience of Nations and Communities toDisaster. 10 The framework identifies five general prioritiesfor action:• Ensure that disaster risk reduction is a national andlocal priority with a strong institutional basis for implementation.• Enhance early warning through improvements in theidentification, assessment and monitoring of disasterrisks.• Use knowledge, innovation and education to build aculture of safety and resilience at all levels.• Reduce the underlying risk factors that are currentlybuilt into development paths.• Strengthen disaster preparedness for effective responseat all levels.