DISASTER RISK REDUCTION THROUGH SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS: VULNERABILITY AND TRAFFICKING

Research shows disasters exacerbate pre-existing vulnerabilities, which are often ignored in the disaster risk reduction policies. It is observed that people who are already vulnerable get more exposed to disaster risk, suffering a higher rate of mortality, morbidity and significant damages to their livelihoods and property. Although disasters do not make a distinction in gender—women and children tend to be the worst hit. The major global policy instruments thus need to align to facilitate and encourage better communication, participation and create awareness thereby ushering in the sustainable development goals under the 2030 development agenda. The paper attempts to highlight how streamlining disaster preparedness plays an important role in reducing vulnerabilities within and across communities.

- Mondira Dutta

Disasters have adversely affected different people differently based on their culture, dress, level of social cohesiveness, gender and vulnerability. Although disasters do not make a distinction between individuals, research shows disasters exacerbate pre-existing vulnerabilities which are often ignored in disaster risk reduction policies. Millions get affected by disasters every year due to vulnerabilities such as disparities in income, lack of awareness, lack of education and gender inequalities associated with socio-economic and cultural traditions as well as limited access to information during the process of migration from origin to a newer destination. It is often found that women and children tend to be the worst hit when disaster strikes although they possess more potential to handle disasters and build community resilience. Women particularly are not only capable of taking care of themselves but can also help children among others in the community during the wake of a disaster. Yet, they tend to be systematically eliminated from the decision making bodies of the country. The issue of gender has been spelt out elaborately under the fifth goal of sustainable development goals (SDGs). In fact the whole development agenda under the framework of the SDGs, is linked to each other. Violence and women’s exploitation, particularly during a disaster, becomes a significant issue, that needs to be addressed. The issue of disaster risk reduction cuts across all other goals of SDGs particularly the first one—no poverty, the fifth one—gender equality, the sixth goal—clean water and sanitation, the eleventh one—sustainable cities and communities, the thirteenth goal climate action and the sixteenth one—peace and justice strong institutions. In fact all the SDGs are so interlinked that any one of the goals targeted can trigger off a reciprocal impact on the others.