Integrate NGOs, CBOs and community groups into DRR systems - Fathimath Afiya

"A DRR national policy needs to be established within the legislative framework; with a separate budget on DRR. Specific focus should be given to protect the rights of vulnerable groups such as children, women and people with disabilities." - Ms. Fathimath Afiya, Care Society, Maldives  

The Government of Maldives and other Governments of South Asia need to include the NGOs, CBOs and other community groups and key community Leaders into the DRR mechanism and systems. Though the first responders are communities and the CBOs on the ground, the reality is at the time of passing legislation, policy frameworks and organizing consultations on DRR, there is a division or isolation of collaborations with the CBOs and communities. In the past years emphasis has been on the inclusion of CBOs and communities but still this is an area that needs to be highlighted. 

Continuous efforts needs to be focused on community based drills to educate and prepare them for future disasters. This will enable the communities to be prepared and remain calm during disasters and mobilise themselves. After the Tsunami, its very rarely community disaster drills are conducted at community levels. Numerous efforts have been conducted by various agencies in an ad hoc manner rather than in a planned systematic manner.

There should be a National level DRR system mechanism, identified national first responders with mapped capacity that all Agencies can access and be aware of. Currently the website of National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) is down. As emergencies are handled at the Government level, there is less awareness and community participation at decision-making level. At the SAARC and other International forums, there should be a mechanism established to assist the affected countries.