Namibia: National disaster risk management policy
The primary responsibility for disaster risk management in Namibia rests with the government. The first Principle of State Policy, Article 95 of the Constitution of the Republic of Namibia, requires the state to actively promote the welfare of its people.
The National Disaster Risk Management Policy pursues the above-mentioned constitutional obligations. The policy seeks to outline a coherent, transparent and inclusive policy on disaster risk management appropriate for the Government of the Republic of Namibia as a whole with a proportionate emphasis on disasters of different kinds, severity and magnitude that occur or may occur in Namibia. The policy gives effect to various rights contained in the International Fundamental Human Rights and Freedoms. These include the right to life, equality, human dignity, a safe environment, the protection of property, health care, food, water, social security and safety nets.
The goal of the National Disaster Risk Management Policy is to contribute to the attainment of sustainable development in line with Namibia’s Vision 2030 through strengthening of national capacities to reduce risk and build community resilience to disasters.