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RUTGERS UNIVERSITY MODEL UNITED NATIONS 2009 Delegation: Angola Committee: Special Political and Decolonization Topic: International Strategies for Disaster Reduction Delegates: Hansin Kim and Amalan Krishnamoorthy EAST BRUNSWICK HIGH SCHOOL In the past twenty years, there have been over three million people affected by natural disasters in Angola alone (Angola- Disaster Statistics 1). Recent disasters such as Tropical Strom Kestana in Southeast Asia, the floods in southern Africa, and Hurricane Katrina make it evident that natural disasters affect both developed and developing nations. These disasters also emphasize the importance of utilizing disaster risk reduction and consideration of sustainable development to protect the economic and social well-being of a nation (Burkhart 13). Moreover, it is of the highest priority that international efforts be made to respond to this growing problem. Angola hopes to promote greater international collaboration and the continued participation of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in minimizing the impact of natural disasters. The impact of a natural disaster is not limited to a nation’s economy, but also affects the well-being, health, and social impact of the nation. Natural disasters are especially devastating to the poor and impoverished, destroying their livelihood and attempts to improve their conditions (Floods and Public Health in Angola 5). An increasing number of people have lost their homes due to natural disasters and this number increases with the magnitude of the natural disaster. As global connections grow stronger, the impact of a disaster in one region will begin to affect others more and more severely (Ronan 11). A major concern is that developing countries often represent high-risk areas due to rapid urbanization and industrialization. Developing countries often focus their resources on endeavors ranging from providing sufficient medical care, potable water, and expansion of the economy, since these issues are considered to be of a higher and more immediate priority. Inversely, while disaster risk reduction does not have short-term payoffs, they are of great benefit when a disaster does occur, preventing loss of life and property and preserving the resources that would have to be invested in recovering from the damage. In response to concerns regarding natural disasters, the United Nations adopted the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA). The HFA provided an outline of various priority areas and practical actions that may be taken to improve a nation’s resilience against disaster (Hyogo 3). It also emphasized the importance of involvement by the local community and individual citizens. Citizens must realize that disaster risk reduction is a national priority and that comprehensive risk reduction and strengthening of disaster preparation requires a joint effort at all levels of a society (Hyogo 26). The suggested actions of the HFA were developed under the policies of mitigation and adaptation. Mitigation refers to actions made to reduce or eliminate the hazards of climate change. Adaptation refers to adjustments made to existing systems to minimize potential damage and strategies to deal with damages already inflicted. Angola is one of many developing countries that are at risk of extreme damage from natural disasters. In April of 2009, severe flooding occurred across Angola, affecting over 75,000, destroying homes, schools, and businesses (Angola- Disaster Statistics 2). Additional damage to the roads, bridges, and clean water supply worsened the situation and hampered efforts to send aid. Furthermore, the flooding deprived people of access to medical facilities, making it difficult to provide treatment for the wounded (Varley 32). Angola has a vested interest in combating the negative impacts of natural disasters and has undertaken various initiatives to do so. The Angolan National Department of Civil Protection (SNPC) with financial assistance from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has initiated a pilot program to construct a national early warning system that will monitor weather patterns to provide public warnings of possible floods. The system will rate potential floods by a simple three color system with a corresponding set of recommended precautions. Media bulletins will spread information regarding the flood warnings in urban areas while colored flags will be placed in more isolated communities to alert them to the danger (Angola: Floods 4). In conjunction with this real-time monitoring system, individual communities will participate in organizing training programs regarding how to prepare for and respond to floods. Angola has also received significant aid from organizations such as UNICEF in responding to disasters and preparing for future ones. Following a recent cholera epidemic, UNICEF Angola helped provide medical treatment and immunization against other diseases such as polio (UNICEF Humanitarian…..6). UNICEF has also helped launch government initiatives like the “Water for All” program to strengthen the national infrastructure and improving urban sanitation to reduce the spread of disease. In conjunction with the UN Disaster Management Team (UNDMT) and UNICEF, the Angolan National Civil Protection Commission (NCPS) has begun developing emergency contingencies to provide rapid response to communities affected by disaster and a framework of the long-term recovery plans (UNICEF Humanitarian…..9). The economic and social interdependencies between all nations mean that the issue of disaster risk reduction requires an international response. Nations can also collaborate through the United Nations’ subsidiary bodies to compile a database where they can share disaster relief information with one another. This can promote cooperation between nations and help neighboring nations reinforce one another by exchanging strategies and policy frameworks. Likewise, interdisciplinary research, organized via United Nations organizations will provide invaluable resources to understanding how to better manage risk as well as how to create sustainable development that will reduce the risks present in rapidly expanding communities. Due to the especially strong connections between bordering countries, regional collaboration will play a major role in disaster risk reduction. As seen in the 2009 floods of southern Africa, natural disasters can displace thousands of people, forcing them to leave their communities and possibly cross international borders in order to find safety. The lack of sufficient policies to address how to provide aid and necessities of living to these individuals results in significant loss of life. Neighboring countries can hold regional conferences to develop new unified policies that establish a framework to manage the care of displaced individuals. Since these policies are focused on a certain region, the outlines can be made more specific and comprehensive than an international framework which may prove to be to general. Regional collaboration can also extend to the pooling of resources to respond to a disaster. By utilizing the varying resources of different countries, individual states that lack certain resources (i.e. helicopters, medical supplies, etc.) could receive them from their neighbors. In order to more fully prepare the people for a natural disaster, governments should implement mandatory evacuation drills in workplaces and schools. Initiating such small-scale policies improves the resilience and flexibility the country would have to a natural disaster. The addition of frequent drills into work places and schools can greatly contribute to the preparedness of a community. It is equally critical that disaster risk reduction be applied to the community level. As people continue to migrate towards urban areas that are poorly planned and developed without consideration for sustainability, there will be an increase in the number and severity of mass population emergencies. In addition, local community leaders are often the first to respond to an emergency or natural disaster. Therefore, instruction and education of local leaders will be needed to ensure efficient implementation of disaster response policies and mobilize resources to where they are needed. Educators will play a key role in informing the citizens of a nation how to prepare for and respond to a natural disaster. Citizens should understand the basic health issues of water and food safety, sanitation, and environmental hazards. The input and feedback of citizens to government policies could help develop and evaluate programs for community disaster preparedness. In the long-term view, the use of DRR principles and sustainable development policies are needed to minimize the risks caused by rapid industrial and urban growth. The development of stronger infrastructure will ease the dissemination of information and resources to respond to a crisis. With the help of NGOs such as Tearfund, ECBP, and DiMP, less developed nations have the opportunity to learn how to respond to natural disaster crises. 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