Disaster Response

Putting children first in disasters

In many parts of the world, disasters exact a heavy toll in terms of human suffering, the loss of human lives and the destruction of economic and social infrastructure.

Developing countries are disproportionately affected by disasters. Furthermore, within developing countries the poor and marginalised often carry an excessive burden of mortality and the effects of social and economic disruption resulting from disasters because they do not have the support mechanisms to help them cope.

When disaster strikes, the distress caused to children is generally greater than the distress suffered by any other group in society. This is not only due to the proportion of children as against adults in the world, but is a result of the special needs of care and assistance which children have. The vulnerability, dependence, as well as physical and emotional demands of children mean that the impact of disasters is often even more extremely felt by children than other members of society.

Why Plan responds to disasters

Plan is committed to assisting children in developing countries both in the promotion of their rights and addressing their needs. As these rights and needs can be threatened during times of disaster, Plan responds in such circumstances in the most appropriate manner and in line with our skills and capacities.

While all children must be treated equally, Plan has a particular obligation to children in our partner communities and therefore there exists a clear duty to assist these communities in the aftermath of a disaster; both in the relief and rehabilitation phase.

In our work with partner communities, Plan has developed extensive relationships and knowledge of communities, local structures and institutions and therefore has the capacity to act in an effective manner in times of disaster.