In one message mark Sunday International Day for Disaster Risk ReductionAntónio Guterres emphasized the serious consequences of disasters for children.
“When disasters strike, they unleash enormous devastation on individuals, societies and economies. The ripple effects of death, destruction and displacement are unimaginable. Today, disasters are often amplified by the climate crisis, increasing their frequency and intensity,” he said.
“No one is safe, but children are particularly vulnerable”, he added.
One billion children are at extreme risk
According to the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), about a billion children are at “extremely high risk” of the effects of climate change. In recent years, the highest numbers of children have been affected by devastating floods in more than three decades.
In the aftermath of disasters, children face disruptions to education, nutrition and healthcare. They often lose access to essential social services and protection, while girls and children with disabilities are especially vulnerable to dangerous conditions.
Children from impoverished families are disproportionately affected, compounding the challenges they face in recovering from both disasters and the impacts of climate change.
© UNICEF/Rabik Upadhayay
A mother comforts her child in a town on the outskirts of Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital, in the wake of heavy rains and flash floods that have affected tens of thousands of families.
Children are more than victims
Despite their vulnerability, Mr Guterres emphasizes that children are not just victims of disasters.
“They have a huge stake in the future, and their ideas and innovations can help reduce risks and build resilience.”
He reiterated the theme of this year’s International Day: the role of education in protecting and empowering youth for a disaster-free future.
“Education is crucial to not only protect children, but also to empower them to participate in decision-making to reduce risks for everyone,” he said.
Important steps to reduce risk
The Secretary-General urged countries to take concrete steps to reduce risks to children, including by expanding multi-hazard early warning systems to reach all populations; building and modernizing schools to withstand disasters; and empower young people to become champions of resilience.
He also encouraged governments to Comprehensive framework for school safetya roadmap for promoting disaster risk reduction and resilience in the education sector. The framework provides practical tools and guidance for ministries of education, disaster management authorities and other stakeholders to promote safer learning environments.
“On this International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, and every day, we owe it to future generations to shape a safer, more resilient future”, stated Mr Guterres.
