INTERNATIONAL DISASTER REDUCTION DAY
Over 80 countries around the world answered UNISDR’s call to “Step Up for Disaster Risk Reduction” on October 13, International Disaster Reduction Day. Reports are still coming in about the 100+ events. There was a huge response also on social media with thousands of tweets marking the day. The focus was on engaging children and young people in disaster risk reduction as the group most affected by disasters each year. UNISDR estimates that every year over 100 million children and young people are affected by disasters. UNISDR Chief, Margareta Wahlström, said: “This year we are issuing a call for everyone to ‘Step Up for Disaster Risk Reduction’ but especially children and young people who have such a special insight into how disasters disrupt their lives and the lives of their communities. We must get beyond perceptions of children as passive and subordinate to ensure they are active participants in decision-making and risk reduction activities. They can influence their communities to invest in safe schools and health facilities and take into account the special circumstances of children and other vulnerable groups when designing early warning systems and other projects which contribute to resilience in the face of disasters and climate change.” For more information, visit: http://www.unisdr.org/2011/iddr/