International legal frameworks are vital tools for the inclusive implementation of disaster risk reduction, prevention and mitigation at the local level. They establish principles and standards that are the basis for assuring that the rights, inclusion and participation of persons from at-risk groups are protected, respected and fulfilled throughout local implementation of DRR initiatives.

The key international framework for the inclusive, local implementation of disaster risk reduction is the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, which states:

“Disaster risk reduction requires an all-of-society engagement and partnership. It also requires empowerment and inclusive, accessible and non-discriminatory participation, paying special attention to people disproportionately affected by disasters, especially the poorest. A gender, age, disability and cultural perspective should be integrated in all policies and practices, and women and youth leadership should be promoted.” (III. Guiding principles, 19.d)

“Disaster risk reduction requires a multi-hazard approach and inclusive risk-informed decision-making based on the open exchange and dissemination of disaggregated data, including by sex, age and disability, as well as on easily accessible, up-to-date, comprehensible, science-based, non-sensitive risk information, complemented by traditional knowledge.” (III. Guiding principles, 19.g)

“To make non-sensitive hazard-exposure, vulnerability, risk, disaster and loss-disaggregated information freely available and accessible, as appropriate.” (IV. Priorities for action, 24.e)

“...Empowering women and persons with disabilities to publicly lead and promote gender equitable and universally accessible response, recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction approaches is key…” (IV. Priorities for action, 32.)

Other relevant international frameworks are:

• The Dhaka Declaration on Disability and Disaster Risk Management
• The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) (particularly Art. 11 on Situations of risk and humanitarian emergencies)
• Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women
• Convention on the Rights of the Child (particularly article 23)
• Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goals 9 (industry, innovation and infrastructure), 11 (sustainable cities and communities) and 13 (climate action) with close linkages to inclusive disaster risk reduction.