Reassessing Disaster and Emergency Management: A Child Rights Perspective

Abstract

This paper delves into the critical yet often overlooked aspect of disaster and emergency management: the rights and needs of children. Recognizing that children form a vulnerable segment of society during disasters, this study seeks to evaluate how effectively their rights are being protected and implemented in such crises. Utilizing the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child as a framework, the research examines key disasters like Hurricane Katrina (2005) and the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami to assess advancements and gaps in child-centric disaster response. Our findings reveal that children's experiences and needs in disaster scenarios are complexly intertwined with socio-political and economic factors. Despite the ratification of child rights treaties by numerous countries, the actual execution of these rights in disaster situations varies significantly. The paper highlights that children's vulnerability is not just physical but extends to psychological and educational aspects, often exacerbated by inadequate disaster preparedness and response strategies. The study emphasizes the importance of education in mitigating the psychological impact of disasters on children. Post-Hurricane Katrina initiatives, for instance, have shown the effectiveness of educational programs in disaster preparedness. However, challenges in coordination among NGOs and government entities often lead to ineffective implementation of child-focused disaster management strategies. In conclusion, while strides have been made in recognizing and addressing children’s needs in disasters, much work remains. The paper calls for a more nuanced understanding of child vulnerability and advocates for comprehensive strategies that prioritize children's rights in disaster management.