Law, Disasters and Public Health Emergencies in the Pacific

Underpinning every emergency response operation, whether in response to natural hazards or public health emergencies, is a complex network of laws, regulations and policies which determine when, how and by whom emergency preparedness and response activities can be carried out.

As witnessed by the recent devastation caused by Tropical Cyclone Harold, many Pacific Island countries are already experiencing the dual impact of weatherrelated hazards and the COVID-19 pandemic. Others are reviewing their own disaster preparedness measure for the upcoming “cyclone season” while ensuring that they limit any further spread of the virus.

It is critical that governments and their partners, look at how to strengthen coordination, complementarity and, where possible, integration between climate, disaster risk management and health systems. This will enable domestic response mechanisms to better leverage existing structures and powers while avoiding duplication.

Capitalizing on its long experience and leadership in disaster laws, IFRC is supporting the Pacific Resilience Partnership Technical Working Group on Risk Governance to research and provide guidance on effective laws for multi hazard preparedness and response in the Pacific.