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Kobe
conference at risk, warns Red Cross and Red Crescent 20 January 2005 The World Conference on Disaster Reduction must result in clear targets for a substantial reduction in the number of people killed and affected by natural disasters by 2015, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said today. The International Federation expressed its concern that an outcomes document being drafted at the conference in Kobe, Japan, so far has failed to incorporate firm commitments. “Kobe is an opportunity to promote a concerted effort on the part of all actors to reduce the impact of disasters, reduce vulnerabilities and ensure that all people, wherever they are, are able to live safer and more productive lives,” said Eva von Oelreich, the International Federation’s Head of Disaster Preparedness and Response. “There is still time for a positive outcome but there is a very real danger that all we will get is rhetoric.” The International Federation is calling for firm baselines and targets, in line with Millennium Development Goals, to curb present disaster trends that bring ever increasing human suffering, material damage and loss of livelihoods. The process should be finalized at the United Nations summit that will review progress of the millennium goals in September this year. In Kobe the International Federation has argued for more resources to build community resilience and preparedness, help communities themselves to reduce risks and withstand natural disaster. It has lobbied also for strengthened legal preparedness and greater preparedness for climate change. Governments have been reminded of the commitments they have made to review and adapt disaster management legislation and to improve compatibility with international laws, rules and principles. Legal and policy frameworks are needed at all levels to facilitate international disaster response. Many delays in getting essential relief across borders are the result of inadequate legal preparedness on the part of recipient states regarding such things as customs, immigration, communications and the status of personnel. The International Federation is concerned that discussions on climate change are being protracted by political debate. The Red Cross and Red Crescent was one of the first non-environmental organizations to recognize that climate change poses a real disaster threat and needs to be integrated into worldwide disaster preparedness programmes. The organization reminds States of their commitment – adopted at the 28th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent in 1999 – to limit the potential negative impact of climate change on vulnerable populations. For further information, or to set up interviews, please contact: In Kobe: Eva M. Calvo, Press Officer: Tel: +81 90-2930-3892 (mobile) John Sparrow, Regional Information Delegate Tel: +81 80-5413-7583 (mobile) Mori Masanao, Japanese Red Cross: Tel. +81 90-4814-4146 In Geneva: Roy Probert, Information Officer Tel. + 41 22 730 42 96 / + 41 79 217 33 86 Media Service, duty phone Tel. + 41 79 416 38 81 The Geneva-based International Federation promotes the humanitarian activities of 181 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies among vulnerable people. By coordinating international disaster relief and encouraging development support, it seeks to prevent and alleviate human suffering. The Federation, National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross together, constitute the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. © International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies |
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