How involved has the CRCS been in the current process to update Law 919 of 1989 on disaster management?
It was partly due to our advocacy that the process was launched. We have presented several proposals to the national body of the national disaster prevention and response system (SNPAD), including integration of IDRL into our domestic law and also better planning and economic arrangements to address disasters. Our proposals have been fully accepted by the national director of the SNPAD and by the Ministry of External Relations
What are the main challenges in updating Law 919?
There are 3 main challenges: The first is to find a common understanding that considers all the norms the ideas, means and capacities of the organisations involved and to establish an acceptable division of labour between the local, national and the regional levels. The second is to ensure the full involvement of communities and the private sector in the process. Third, we must improve our training and educational tools to make our hazard risks and vulnerabilities more understandable and to convert that knowledge into an instrument in favour of the development of the country.
The CRCS was also involved in the development of a recent decree on contingency planning for large public events. What was its contribution?
The CRCS supported and lobbied for more than 5 years for this decree, which is part of the process of the modernisation of the Colombian disaster management system. We participated through providing documentation, sending experts to many meetings, and attending policymaking forums.
Does the CRCS have further projects planned with the Colombian government?
Yes, we plan to build on the synergy of our past cooperation. At the moment, we are working with CONPES (a high level social and economic planning committee of the Colombian government) and SNPAD to adapt the laws and plans to the realities of the country and to strengthen the capacity of all entities involved in the disaster management system, including the Red Cross.
As a National Society, it is our duty to be the leader of change, serving all people and entities that aim to increase the power of humanity and to improve the lives of the vulnerable and the victims.