Children and Young People’s Participation in Disaster Risk Reduction

Abstract

Available Open Access under CC-BY-NC licence. Disasters are complex environmental, social and cultural events and processes yet disaster management approaches tend to simplify responses and homogenise affected populations. Participatory research with more than 550 children across Europe, detailed in this book argues for a radical transformation in children’s roles in disasters. It shows how more child-centred working in civil protection and emergency planning, that recognises children’s capacities in building resilience, benefits at-risk communities as a whole.

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“…Children and young people want to take a more explicit role in recovery and preparedness, being strong advocates for risk mitigation, able to 'join the dots' across 'recovery, health and well-being; resilience' and disaster education [17]; p. 437). They want their thoughts, and ideas, informed by experience, across recovery, prevention and response to be taken seriously.…”

“…At the beginning of the 21st century there has been a significant shift to adopt a 'more people-centred preventative approach to disaster risk' [19]. The shift has driven international calls for young people to be more actively involved and become 'agents of change' in disaster management, with interventions, programs and approaches that enable them to take an active role in risk mitigation and reducing their own vulnerability [13,17,19]. There are major determinants that sit around children and young people's role in disasters, including the resilience of 'families, schools, communities and policy sectors' [20]; p. 1) but more evidence is needed.…”

“…Australia is witnessing a shift in young people's participation and acts of citizenship, with a move towards 'cause-or issue-based politics' [7]; p. 219). Children and young people are demonstrating acts of citizenship, when given the opportunity, in disaster prevention following their own lived experience [17]. Australia has seen increased civic engagement and community involvement on social, environmental and political issues.…”