Disaster Risk Reduction and International Law Symposium

The School of Law and the Walker Institute, together with the American Society of International Law, held the Disaster Risk Reduction and International Law Symposium at UoR between 29 June and 1 July 2017. The highly engaging Symposium brought together academic, government, industry, IGO, and NGO participants from all over the world to explore this rapidly growing area of law, policy and practice.

Marie Aronsson-Storier (Law), Programme Director for the LLM/MSc Global Crisis, Conflict, and Disaster Management, reflected that: ‘Although the Symposium has come to a close, there is little doubt that these conversations are only just beginning. The incorporation of DRR in the International Law

Marie Aronsson-Storier

Commission’s Draft Articles on the Protection of Persons in the Event of Disasters adopted in 2016 confirms that law has an important role to play not only in governing disaster response, but also in preventing, mitigating and preparing for disasters. It is crucial that these DRR principles are implemented in practice, and that efforts are directed so as to reach people and areas most vulnerable to disasters. In order to achieve this, it is essential to continue to break down research silos and to improve communication across different areas of law, as well as across disciplines and sectors.’

Marie’s full blog post on the symposium, as well as links to the daily blogs and conference recordings, may be found here.