Malawi faces substantial disaster risks from floods and droughts as well as earthquakes, fires, epidemics and landslides. With half the population living below the poverty line, the impact of disasters on already vulnerable communities is significant.
Malawi Red Cross, a key national humanitarian organisation active for more than 90 years, is at the forefront of disaster risk management in Malawi. Seeing the impact of frequent disasters, Red Cross knew a strengthened disaster risk management system to better facilitate the flow of international assistance would help keep communities safe and save lives.
Through its auxiliary role with the Government, Malawi Red Cross advocated for review of the legal framework for international disaster response in 2013.
Mara Martnez, IFRC Disaster Laws Coordinator for Africa, says the positioning and relationship Malawi Red Cross has with the Government through its auxiliary role has been invaluable to the legal review process.
A strong legal and policy framework is critical to reduce disasters and climate risks and build sustainable resilience. Through this law revision process, Malawi Red Cross is contributing to the enhancement of the countrys risk…
