The Bahamas is an archipelago of 700 islands and 2,400 cays. Its location in the Atlantic hurricane belt means the islands are subject to regular hydro-meteorological disasters including hurricanes, storms and cyclones, which occur most frequently between the months of August to November. The low relief of the islands makes them particularly vulnerable to flooding caused by storm surges and sea level rise.
In 2022, IFRC Disaster Law, in collaboration with The Bahamas Red Cross Society developed a case study, The Impact of Unsolicited Bilateral Donations on the Response to Hurricane Dorian in The Bahamas. The case study examined the negative impact of unsolicited bilateral donations after Hurricane Dorian and analysed the sources and possible motivations behind these donations. On the basis of the International Disaster Response Law Guidelines, the report provided recommendations around how to develop effective key messages and communication strategies to reduce the incidence and impact of unsolicited bilateral donations on humanitarian emergency operations.
With the support of The Bahamas Red Cross Society, IFRC Disaster Law also published Disaster Recovery in The Bahamas: A Legal and Policy Survey in 2023. The report analysed the strengths and gaps of the legal and policy frameworks related to disaster recovery in The Bahamas, particularly within the context of the recovery efforts from Hurricane Dorian. It also examined the provisions of the new Disaster Risk Management Act, 2022 and provided detailed recommendations, including recommendations to address the specific needs of vulnerable groups during the recovery phase.
Substantial progress was made in strengthening the legal and institutional framework for RCRC action in the Bahamas. An amendment to the Bahamas Red Cross Society Act progressed through Parliament through a first and second reading in 2025. At the time of writing in 2026, the amendment was successfully passed through both Houses of Parliament and awaiting the assent of the Governor General. The purpose of the amendment is to recognize both The Bahamas Red Cross Society and the IFRC as organisations with privileges and immunities in accordance with the International Organizations (Immunities and Privileges) Act (Ch. 14). This amendment reinforced the auxiliary role of the National Society, while granting it legal facilities equivalent to an international organization.
