The principles of ‘leave no one behind’ and ‘protect the most vulnerable’ are fundamental humanitarian values which drive efforts across the spectrum of the disaster risk reduction continuum. But evidence suggests that many continue to be left behind before, during, and after disasters.
Why is this still happening, and what can we do about it?
Session 3B aimed to challenge participants' understanding of the principles of ‘protect the most vulnerable’ and ‘leave no one behind’ and explore the theoretical and practical frameworks of equity, and their application to anticipatory action.
Margaret Arnold, the World Bank’s World Bank’s Global Lead on the Social Dimensions of Climate Change reminded participants that hazard events reveal social inequalities, and explained that to build equitable early warning systems, we need to understand the social political and economic factors behind the inequalities – the racism, sexism, ageism or ableism that contribute to the vulnerability of these people.
The session showcased examples of ways in which early warning early action is being made equitable and explored solutions to the main barriers to achieving greater equity.
Using film and online conversations, the session aimed was to galvanise discussions into actionable ideas and framings that could support the building of an equity approach in early warning & early action.
Some key messages:
1. People can be affected differently by the same disaster. Early warning messages and effective early actions must be adaptable and adapted.
2. Equity is not equality. Early warning early action can support equitable outcomes by addressing the drivers of vulnerability.
3. Vulnerability and equity are complex but intersectional concepts. Early warning/early action can achieve equity by addressing vulnerability.
Annette McGill