“The recent landslides reminded us of the importance of discussing disaster preparation and response, exchange knowledge, and improve the way we work together as a network,” stated Minister Rondo, from the Ministry of External Relations of Brazil.
In the context of this seminar, the International Federation was invited to present on disaster laws matters as keynote speaker in a panel on 'Legal aspects related to disaster risk reduction and humanitarian assistance.'
“Good laws and legal frameworks are essential to how we reduce the risks and how we prepare and respond,” stated Isabelle Granger, IDRL Coordinator for America. “Disasters provide us with an opportunity to raise awareness regarding existing weaknesses in the civil land system in place and build back better,” continued Carmen Ferrer, Shelter Coordinator for America.
The event allowed discussing challenges faced in the prevention of disasters, in the provision of humanitarian assistance, and in relation to land ownership and irregular occupation of land following disasters. It was attended by representatives from the municipalities of the state of Rio, representatives of Ministries that take part in the Brazil Inter-ministerial Group on Humanitarian Assistance, and experts in disaster management from international organizations, civil societies and the academic sector.