Divergences in the translation of culture and cultural factors into disaster management practices

At the national level, issues of culture and how cultural elements have been translated into disaster management practices appear to follow a divergent pattern in some respects. On the one hand, it is common to find some constitutional and other regulatory provisions relevant to culture, including fundamental rights provisions guaranteeing or protecting certain cultural expressions such as freedom of religion, freedom of expression, right to education, right to participate in cultural life, right against discrimination on cultural grounds, among others. These constitutional provisions have been relied upon in some cases where no clear guidelines exist for implementing certain cultural aspects in the disaster management operations.

Cultural Factors: Customs/traditions/rituals, Norms/values

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

Disaster Phases: Preparedness, Response

Types of Actors Concerned: National civil protection body

Recommendations:

• Employ an overarching rights-based approach in disaster policies and operations