Legal frameworks for children, pregnant women, elderly, disabled and sick people vulnerabilities in a disaster situation

In a number of frameworks, children, pregnant women, elderly people, people with disabilities or sick people are particularly considered vulnerable in disaster management. The Sphere Handbook, for instance, stipulates that “special measures to facilitate the access of vulnerable groups should be taken, while considering the context, social and cultural conditions and behaviours of communities.” Due to their specific needs, vulnerable groups are usually given priority consideration in disaster management operations where necessary, ranging from evacuation procedures to continuity of services after evacuation. Infants and children, for example, need more care; some require special food and items (milk, diapers, etc.). Pregnant women and women, in general, may have specific needs for special products, and the elderly or the sick may need special support to move (e.g. wheelchairs).

Note: See source document for full reference.

Cultural Factors: Gender roles, Age-related roles, Ethnicity, Social exclusion

Hazards: Natural hazards, Man-made non-intentional hazards or emergency situations

Disaster Phases: Response

Types of Actors Concerned: National civil protection body

Recommendations:

• Consider vulnerable groups when designing and implementing disaster response measures