The Shift towards Resilience: Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) in the International and Regional Legal Frameworks

This article provides an overview of the legal framework applicable in the event of disasters, with an emphasis on resilience and disaster risk reduction (DRR). It provides an overview of the emergence and nature of International Disaster Law (IDL), and the inclusion of DRR in this context. It further explores the array of international and regional standards applicable in the event of disasters, including the International Law Commission (ILC) Draft articles and recent efforts in the context of the European Union (EU) and South-East Asia for a more concerted approach. The chapter further provides examples from the practice of international and regional courts and tribunals, including recent climate change litigation before the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR). In conclusion, the chapter emphasizes the need for States to undertake more concrete international commitments especially in light of the principles of international cooperation and solidarity in order to strengthen the existing policies of preparedness and resilience.