Understanding the role of remittances in reducing earthquake risk

This report is based on the earthquake risk and remittances research project which looked at the relationship between migrant workers, remittances and disaster risk reduction. The research determines links between remittances and safer building practices and how organizations can best communicate with migrant workers on risk reduction issues.

The research identified that there are clear linkages between remittances and building construction practices, particularly from migrants in South Korea where a total of 18.1% of remittances sent home in the last 12 month was allocated for construction related practices whereas migrant workers in Qatar allocated 7% of remittances towards construction related practices in the same period.

Finally, the report gives recommendation to develop strategies and corresponding policies that promote the use of remittances for productive and safe purposes and to develop a comprehensive communications campaign, which will target departing, current and returning migrants as well as households receiving remittances.