IFRC Disaster Law has worked across sub-Saharan Africa since 2000. We provide technical support for the enhancement of laws, policies, strategies and plans for climate-smart disaster risk management for the 49 Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies in the region, their governments and regional organisations. Since 2000, we have conducted 25 in-country projects, resulting in the development of approximately 15 laws, policies and strategies related to national disaster risk management. IFRC Disaster Law also connects National Societies in countries undertaking law review processes with those who have been involved in similar initiatives, to foster an exchange of ideas and develop collaborative networks. In addition, IFRC Disaster Law conducts extensive research on domestic Disaster Risk Management systems and develops tools to support National Societies in the region to harness the auxiliary role in legislative advocacy, such as the 2nd Edition of the Guide to the Auxiliary Role of Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies – Africa in 2021 and the Guide to Advocating to Strengthen Disaster Laws and Policies to Protect Internally Displaced Persons in Africa.
Regionally, we work with the African Union and Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) to engage member states on disaster risk management and disaster law, and the role of law in managing public health emergencies. Since 2018, disaster law has been part of the curriculum for the African Union's Humanitarian Law and Policy Training Initiative. We are supporting the African Union to draft the African Union Model Act on International Disaster Response Law (IDRL) to be used by member states to develop their national disaster risk management legislation. IFRC Disaster Law will support African Union member states to adapt this model Act to suit their national context and will support National Societies to develop advocacy strategies to raise awareness at the governmental level on the impact this Act may have. In 2021, IFRC Disaster Law held regional consultations with key stakeholders in Africa on the Guidance on Law and Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response in its pilot phase, to gather critical feedback on the Guidance to ensure that it is fit for its purpose in the region.
Our Africa Disaster Law Coordinator is based in Nairobi. A Disaster Law Coordinator for Southern Africa and Disaster Law Officer are based inPretoria. A regional Disaster Law Advocacy and Communications Officer, based in Anatanarivo, supports the team. Click here for more information and to contact the Africa team.
