Can the observance of human rights of individuals enhance their resilience to cope with natural disasters?

Abstract

Human rights are largely understood as rights of human beings arising from their very human nature and inherent dignity. It is generally accepted that members of society in a position of vulnerability are more likely to face serious human rights violations. The paper focuses on how do human rights address the most vulnerable in society, with the view of assessing if and how they can enhance the resilience of individuals also when confronted with natural disasters. As put by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies: ‘a disaster occurs when a hazard impacts on vulnerable people’. The paper focuses on both governments and individuals. In relation to governments it discusses the notion of responsibility to protect from human rights violations. In relation to individuals, it looks at how to enhance their agency in society through the observance of human rights. It considers among other factors the access of individuals to relevant information, participation in decision-making and education. The conclusion is that human rights can enhance individuals’ resilience to face natural disasters, hence the article argues that human rights shall inform disaster-related programs and studies.