Brookings: Topics - Natural Disasters

Humanitarian Response Index 2009: Clarifying Donor Priorities

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

November 10, 2009, 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Every year, humanitarian crises threaten the lives and livelihoods of over 250 million people worldwide, and donor governments must make the best use of their resources, knowledge and capabilities to respond to these challenges. On November 10, the Brookings-Bern Project on Internal Displacement will host the launch of the Development Assistance Research Associates Humanitarian Response Index 2009, which helps donor governments ensure that humanitarian assistance has the greatest possible impact for people suffering the effects of crises and disasters.

The Human Rights of Internally Displaced Persons

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Since 2004 there have been encouraging trends related to internal displacement. Walter Kälin notes that the use of the Guiding Principles as the relevant framework for protecting IDPs and the development of national and regional laws and policies on internal displacement have been positive trends. However, despite such positive trends, the challenges presented by climate change, the disregard for civilian populations in conflict zones, a shrinking humanitarian space, and protracted displacement situations still remain unchanged.

Natural Disasters: Thinking Beyond Immediate Response

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The tragic earthquake in Sumatra, the tsunami in Samoa and the typhoon that hit the Philippines are just the latest in an increasing number of natural disasters. Last year alone natural disasters affected over 200 million people, killing 16,000 and displacing close to 50 million. Elizabeth Ferris evaluates the international capacity to respond to major disasters and argues that more should be done to reduce their impact.

Regional Workshop on Protection and Response in Situations of Natural Disaster

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Central America is a region constantly exposed to risks from natural disasters. It is important for governments to develop a human rights based approach to disaster response in order to decrease the likelihood of human rights violations of the victims of natural disasters. In order to promote the development of such strategies as well as strengthen the cooperation of humanitarian and human rights agencies in the field, CONRED, CEPREDENAC, and the Brookings-Bern Project, with the support of the Embassy of Switzerland, convened a workshop on disaster response and protection in situations of natural disaster in El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala.

Protection in Natural Disasters

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

People affected by natural disasters such as floods, cyclones, earthquakes, volcanoes, and other calamities often face urgent protection needs that may not be immediately visible to humanitarian actors caught up in trying to provide water, food, shelter, medical care and other lifesaving assistance. In this paper, Elizabeth Ferris and Diane Paul provide an overview of protection challenges confronting those affected by natural disasters.

Looking Ahead: Natural Disasters, Protection and Climate Change

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The effects of rapid climate change have led to an increase in natural disasters. The international system is seeking to strengthen and expand its approaches in responding to natural disasters, reflecting a sense of urgency and fresh perspectives. A more coordinated, adaptable and rights-based approach to sustainable development may offer vulnerable populations the ability to protect themselves from natural disasters.

The State of New Orleans: An Update 2009

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In this New York Times “op-chart” Amy Liu analyzes the current state of the New Orleans region four years after Hurricane Katrina. Though rebuilding has blunted some of the recession’s effects, she notes that the city and region still face substantial housing, employment, and environmental challenges.

Report of the Representative of the Secretary-General on the Human Rights of Internally Displaced Persons

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Internal displacement continues to be one of the world's major humanitarian and human rights challenges and many internally displaced persons (IDPs) experience serious violations of their human rights. In his annual report to the UN General Assembly, Walter Kälin argues that it is important to translate the increasing recognition of the human rights dimension of internal displacement at the international and regional levels into effective action at the national and local levels of government.

The New Orleans Index Anniversary Edition: Four Years after Katrina

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Though New Orleans has been somewhat shielded from the recession due to its industry composition and ongoing rebuilding activities, four years after Katrina the region still faces major challenges due to blight, unaffordable housing, and vulnerable flood protection. New federal leadership must commit and sustain its partnership with state and local leaders by delivering on key milestones in innovation, infrastructure, human capital, and sustainable communities to help greater New Orleans move past "disaster recovery" and boldly build a more prosperous future.

Protecting and Promoting Rights in Natural Disasters in South Asia

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

South Asia is a "theater for disaster." In the past decade alone floods, cyclones, earthquakes, droughts, and a devastating tsunami destroyed hundreds of thousands of lives and livelihoods and left millions more homeless. In each disaster, humanitarian responders rushed to the scene to preserve human life and reduce immediate suffering. However, many times, human rights protection has been a secondary concern. This new report, based on a regional meeting in Chennai, India, discusses the challenges in incorporating human rights into disaster response in South Asia.

Climate Change, Natural Disasters, and Internal Displacement

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

An estimated 50-200 million people may move by the middle of the century as a result of the negative effects of climate change, either within their countries or across borders, on a permanent or temporary basis. While some of this movement may be voluntary, some of it will not. Walter Kälin points out that there are significant differences in both groups' situations and the responses to their migrations must also be different.

Brookings-Bern Project on Internal Displacement: Annual Report 2008

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

2008 marked the tenth anniversary of the Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement—an occasion both to commemorate efforts over the past decade to uphold the human rights of IDPs and to remind ourselves that much remains to be done. In this report, the Project presents its work from 2008 and discusses the challenges that lie ahead.

Humanitarian Perspectives on the International Law Commission's Report "Protection of Persons in the Event of Disasters"

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

All humanitarian work is, or should be, grounded in international human rights law.

An Institutional Gap for Disaster IDPs

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Climate change is expected to sharply increase the number and severity of natural disasters, displacing millions on all continents. Roberta Cohen argues that the international community needs to recognize "disaster IDPs" and establish new institutional arrangements to protect their human rights.

Human Rights and Internal Displacement

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Marking the 10th Anniversary of the adoption of the Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement has provided an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the Guiding Principles. However, according to Walter Kälin, the dire situation on the ground for the world's over 26 million IDPs indicates that more work needs to be done.

FEMA’s Gulf Coast Rebuilding Efforts: The Path Forward

Tue, 03 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Hurricane Katrina illustrated that a strong federal-state-local partnership is needed for post-disaster recovery. Amy Liu told a House Homeland Security panel that federal leaders should reward states and localities for achieving a clear set of outcomes that lead to a prosperous recovery, not just over-regulate them with distrust.

The New Orleans Index, January 2009

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In contrast to the nation, the greater New Orleans economy has grown, boosted by the large-scale rebuilding effort underway. There is a new uptick in population growth and the region's unemployment rate is a relatively low 4.9 percent. Yet, storm damage remains widespread, potential destruction from new storms looms large, and state and local leaders must simultaneously confront the opportunities and challenges presented by Washington's economic recovery efforts and the potential sunsetting of the federal Office of Gulf Coast Recovery.

Gaps in the Protection of Those Displaced by Climate Change

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gaps in protection still remain for those people displaced by climate change within their own countries.

Disaster Risk Mitigation – Why Human Rights Matter

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Existing human rights obligations, according to Walter Kälin and Claudine Haenni Dale, already require states to take measures to mitigate the risks of natural or man-made disasters — including those due to climate change — and thus to prevent displacement.

Natural Disasters, Human Rights and the Role of National Human Rights Institutions

Sat, 25 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Most people who are displaced by natural disasters remain within the borders of their country, making them internally displaced persons (IDPs) as defined by the Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the national government to provide protection and assistance to them and to facilitate durable solutions for their displacement. In disaster response, Elizabeth Ferris argues, it is necessary to develop a rights-based approach to guarantee that the rights of those who've been displaced by the disaster are protected.

Displacement, Natural Disasters, and Human Rights

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In the course of the past year, over 400 natural disasters took 16,000 lives, affected close to 250 million people and displaced many millions. But many humanitarian actors continue to see natural disasters and those displaced by them as marginal to the central thrust of humanitarian action: responding to those affected by conflict.

Moving Beyond Rhetoric: Consultation and Participation with IDPs

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The importance of engaging directly with populations affected by poverty, conflict and disaster is a common theme in the literature on humanitarian aid, development and peacebuilding. However, despite the many documented benefits, consultation with and participation by affected populations -- including IDPs -- remains limited.

Finding Durable Solutions for Sri Lanka's Displaced

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Arbitrary displacement as a consequence of violence or threats thereof, ethnic persecution or cleansing, as well as displacement as a consequence of natural disasters, is not just a passing event in peoples' lives. Rather, displacement means that, from one day to the next, families lose their homes and livelihoods, leaving behind all they had cherished, shattering lives. In responding to displacement situations, it is necessary to look for long-term, durable solutions for all groups of displaced persons, rather than focusing on one specific group.

The State of New Orleans: An Update

Sat, 30 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Amy Liu explores the current state of the New Orleans region upon the third anniversary of hurricane Katrina. Noting the city has recovered most of its population and jobs, she argues that serious challenges remain: lack of public services such as hospitals and child care centers, public transit and a deficient system of levees still loom.

For Disaster IDPs: An Institutional Gap

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Climate change is expected to sharply increase the number and severity of natural disasters, displacing millions on all continents. To meet this coming challenge, Roberta Cohen says that the recognition of "disaster" IDPs is needed along with new institutional arrangements to protect their human rights.

Myanmar: Where Do We Go From Here?

Sun, 03 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

As the aftermath of cyclone Nargis becomes clearer, Lex Rieffel and David I. Steinberg argue that the best hope for tangible improvements in the daily lives of Myanmar's people is the newly adopted charter of the 10 ASEAN member countries. The charter has a weak human-rights provision, but it will provide a stronger basis for dialogue with the Myanmar government.

The Burma Cyclone and the Responsibility to Protect

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In 2005, the international community adopted a new concept, the responsibility to protect (R2P) but its meaning and application are still unclear. The United Nations ruled out applying it to Burma, but Roberta Cohen argues that the denial of access to cyclone survivors could well have been an R2P case. Much work needs to be done to clarify the concept and mobilize international support around its implementation.

The Climate Change-Displacement Nexus

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Climate change is happening and one of its visible impacts is the increasing numbers of persons displaced by natural disasters. In the course of the past year, more than 400 natural disasters affected over 234 million persons, cost over 16,000 lives, and also displaced millions of people. According to Walter Kalin, the existing system is only partially equipped to deal with this challenge and it's necessary to develop appropriate humanitarian responses.

Disaster Standards Needed in Asia

Tue, 10 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In this Brookings Northeast Asia Commentary, Nonresident Senior Fellow Roberta Cohen calls for the development of performance standards for addressing natural disasters including the cyclone in Burma, earthquake in China, and famine in North Korea. Without such standards, states and the international community may be hampered in saving lives and reconstruction efforts.

Cyclone Nargis: Catalyst for Change in Myanmar?

Fri, 16 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

As the scope of tropical cyclone Nargis becomes clearer, Elizabeth Ferris and Lex Rieffel recall that the 2004 tsunami, which struck Aceh provice in Indonesia among other places, was both a human tragedy and a political blessing. They argue that this experience is not likely to be replicated in Myanmar because the regime will continue to refuse much of the assistance offered by foreign governments and international NGOs.

Five Observations on Natural Disasters

Thu, 15 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Images from the cyclone in Myanmar and the earthquake in China have dominated the news for the past week. But, as Beth Ferris observes, these victims of natural disasters are just a small portion of the over 200 million people each year who are affected by natural disasters. Although most of these disasters never make it onto the nightly news in America, their effects are felt by victims long after the TV cameras have moved on.

Aid Strategy for Burma's Cyclone Victims

Tue, 13 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

As the disaster caused by tropical cyclone Nargis continues to unfold in Burma, Michael O'Hanlon offers suggestions for dealing with the crisis. He believes the UN should appoint an aid coordinator to Burma, and that political activities against the government should be put on hold during this time of great need.

Disaster in Myanmar: Key Challenges for the International Community

Wed, 07 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

With more than a million people killed, missing, or uprooted by the cyclone that struck Myanmar/Burma on May 3, international aid groups and foreign governments are mobilizing food, water and other assistance for the country. Lex Rieffel, who is currently studying the Asian perspective on Myanmar/Burma, addresses some of the key policy challenges.

Human Rights and Natural Disasters

Tue, 06 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Although disasters are quick to strike, their consequences can be long to remedy and can linger on for months and years. The extend to which their effects increase inequalities in life and society is a question of how governments and humanitarian actors integrate human rights into their disaster preparedness and response. The Brookings-Bern Project has just published a new field manual designed to accompany the Inter-Agency Standing Committee's Operational Guidelines on Human Rights and Natural Disasters and intended to help people in the field to understand the human rights dimensiosn of disaster response.

A Human Rights Perspective for Natural Disasters

Mon, 14 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

While it is correct that those displaced by floods, earth-quakes, tsunamis and the like are primarily in need of humanitarian assistance, experience from natural disasters all over the world teaches us that there is a serious risk of human rights violations when the displaced cannot return to their homes or find new ones after some weeks or months.

Fires, Floods, Earthquakes and Tsunamis: A Human Rights Perspective for Major Natural Disasters

Mon, 14 Jan 2008 10:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

January 14, 2008, 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

On January 14, the Brookings-Bern Project on Internal Displacement hosted a discussion to examine the ways to place human rights at the center of any future response to a major natural disaster in the U.S. or elsewhere in the world.

Making Sense of Climate Change, Natural Disasters, and Displacement: A Work in Progress

Fri, 14 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Predictions have been made that millions of people will be displaced because of climate change in the coming years. However, despite the frequent mention of this statistic, as Brookings expert Elizabeth Ferris discusses, the terminology of those displaced by climate change has yet to catch up. And while many in the humanitarian field are aware of the distinctions between the various types of forced migrants, those in the environmental field are not as aware of the nuances.

Disaster Risk Reduction: A Front Line Defense against Climate Change and Displacement

Wed, 10 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) is a vital defense against climate change and displacement, particularly in the current context of increasing numbers of disaster-affected persons. This is a report on a seminar to raise awareness and encourage organizations to begin or to renew their efforts to reduce the human impact of natural disasters.

Natural Disasters: Reducing Risks, Upholding Rights

Wed, 10 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

We know that the number of natural disasters is increasing. However, while international attention focuses on the dead, the wounded and the destruction of houses and infrastructure, the fate of surviving victims often tends to be forgotten. It is therefore important, and feasible, as Walter Kälin argues, to take steps now to reduce the risk of natural disasters.

Disaster Risk Reduction: A Front Line of Defense against Climate Change and Displacement

Wed, 10 Oct 2007 12:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

October 10, 2007, 12:00 PM to 02:00 PM

Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) is a vital defense against climate change and displacement, particularly in the current context of increasing numbers of disaster-affected persons. This seminar raised awareness and encouraged organizations represented to begin or to renew their efforts to reduce the human impact of natural disasters.

Resettling New Orleans: The First Full Picture from the Census

Wed, 12 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Using new Census data, we provide the first full picture of who lived in New Orleans and its region after the hurricanes of 2005, and what types of residents moved in, stayed, or remained displaced one year after the storm.

Relief and Rights Are Needed to Respond to South Asia's Floods

Mon, 13 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion Piece by Elizabeth Ferris (8/13/07)

A Review of Key Indicators of Recovery Two Years After Katrina

Wed, 01 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Two years after Hurricane Katrina assessing the social and economic health as well as public services and infrastructure for the New Orleans region.

Protecting Persons Affected by Natural Disasters

Wed, 22 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Floods, earthquakes and storms have routinely displaced tens of thousands around the world. Over the past few years, the international community's response to these catastrophes has become ever swifter and more sophisticated. Until very recently, however, and in the rush to deliver life-saving aid, little attention was paid to the rights of these displaced people. Accordingly, RSG Walter Kälin drafted these Operational Guidelines, to provide the UN and NGOs with information to develop a rights-based approach to emergency response.

Human Rights at Home

Wed, 01 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Statement by Roberta Cohen at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government (11/01/06)

Protecting Persons Affected by Natural Disasters

Tue, 19 Sep 2006 00:00:00 GMT

IASC Operational Guidelines on Human Rights Natural Disasters (September 2006)

The Credit and Insurance Consequences of Natural and Man-Made Catastrophes

Thu, 07 Sep 2006 10:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

September 07, 2006, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Special Edition of the Katrina Index: A One-Year Review of Key Indicators of Recovery in Post-Storm New Orleans

Tue, 01 Aug 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Research Brief

Building a Better New Orleans: A Review of and Plan for Progress One Year after Hurricane Katrina

Tue, 01 Aug 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Research Brief

Federal Allocations in Response to Katrina, Rita, and Wilma: An Update

Tue, 01 Aug 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Katrina Fact Sheet

Katrina and Rita Impacts on Gulf Coast Populations: First Census Findings

Thu, 01 Jun 2006 00:00:00 GMT

An analysis of the first U.S. Census Bureau data regarding the demographic impacts of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita on the population of the Gulf Coast region.

Barriers to Capital Access in Rebuilding the Gulf Coast

Tue, 11 Apr 2006 00:00:00 GMT

In this presentation at the U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy, Ms. Sabety discussed the role of credit scores on access to capital in post-disaster situations.

Measuring Indonesia's Response to the Tsunami

Thu, 12 Jan 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Speech by Roberta Cohen; Woodrow Wilson Center (1/12/06)

The Tsunami Report Card

Thu, 01 Dec 2005 00:00:00 GMT

Article by Karl F. Inderfurth, David Fabrycky, and Stephen P. Cohen, Foreign Policy Magazine (December 2005)

Housing Families Displaced by Katrina: A Review of the Federal Response to Date

Tue, 01 Nov 2005 00:00:00 GMT

report

New Orleans after the Storm: Lessons from the Past, a Plan for the Future

Sat, 01 Oct 2005 00:00:00 GMT

report

Katrina and Sound Science

Wed, 28 Sep 2005 00:00:00 GMT

Testimony by David B. Sandalow before the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works

To Shelter Katrina's Victims, Learn from the Northridge Quake Zone

Mon, 12 Sep 2005 00:00:00 GMT

In response to the housing needs of thousands of Americans displaced by Hurricane Katrina, Congress and the Bush Administration should replicate HUD's voucher plan, used after the 1994 L.A. earthquake.

Time for the United States to Honor International Standards in Emergencies

Fri, 09 Sep 2005 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion by Roberta Cohen (9/9/05)

Hurricane Katrina: Where Do We Go from Here?

Thu, 08 Sep 2005 14:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

September 08, 2005, 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Brookings sponsored a panel discussion aimed at analyzing the federal, state and local response to Hurricane Katrina and identifying next steps to speed the recovery of the Gulf Coast and its people.

Tsunami Envoy Clinton - Don't Forget Human Rights

Tue, 03 May 2005 00:00:00 GMT

If former President Bill Clinton, the United Nations' new Special Envoy for Tsunami Recovery, is to succeed in his new mission, Roberta Cohen argues that he will need to make human rights protection central to his dealings with South Asian governments.

Protection of Internally Displaced Persons in Situations of Natural Disaster: A Working Visit to Asia

Fri, 01 Apr 2005 00:00:00 GMT

In the spring of 2005, the RSG undertook a visit to the countries affected by the December 2004 tsunami. His findings are presented in this report.

Statement on Post-Tsunami Human Rights

Mon, 21 Mar 2005 00:00:00 GMT

Statement by Roberta Cohen on Post-Tsuunami Human Rights (21 March 2005)

The Tsunami Tragedy: Political, Economic, and Environmental Lessons

Tue, 25 Jan 2005 00:00:00 GMT

Statement by Roberta Cohen on the Tsunami at Georgetown University

After the Tsunami, Flexible Debt Relief is Needed

Fri, 14 Jan 2005 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion by Lex Rieffel, Financial Times (London) (1/14/05)