Rwanda: National disaster management policy, 2012

This policy seeks to establish the guiding principles and architecture for disaster risk management (DRM) in Rwanda by presenting the institutional structures, roles, responsibilities, authorities and key processes, with the ultimate goal being to increase the resilience of vulnerable groups to disasters (the main natural hazards in Rwanda identified by the policy are floods, landslides and mudflows, volcanic activity, drought, food security, earthquakes, fires, and epidemics).

The policy provides overarching frameworks for decision-making and coordination across disaster management sectors and actors, including government ministries, civil society organizations, international organizations and the private sector.

In particular the policy aims to: (i) strengthen the legal and institutional framework for the management of disasters, including the promotion of a culture of disaster awareness and for building the capacity for DRM Management at all levels; (ii) ensure that institutions and DRM activities are coordinated and are focused to foster participatory partnerships between the government and other stakeholders, at all levels, including international, regional, sub-regional Eastern African, national and sub-national bodies; (iii) promote linkages between DRM and sustainable development for the reduction of vulnerability to hazards and disasters.