Major hazards, migrants, asylum seekers and refugees: Their inclusion in disaster preparedness and management

This publication seeks to give an overview of the current situation in terms of the inclusion of migrants, asylum seekers and refugees in major disaster preparedness and management, given that their situation as a particularly vulnerable group exposes them to an additional risk of harm in the event of disasters. In particular, the aim is to see whether the emergency and rescue services take proper account of these groups so as to foster their resilience.

The publication recommends that member States of the European and Mediterranean Major Hazards Agreement (EUR-OPA):

• Integrate specialised measures on migrants, asylum seekers and refugees into national disaster risk reduction policies, planning processes, training curricula and emergency management, favouring, investment in long-term strategies that would reduce the vulnerability and exposure to disaster of migrants, asylum seekers and refugees;
• Design and promote national programmes and standards for the rescue, protection and care of migrants, asylum seekers and refugees when and where they are at risk of disaster;
• Design, promote and co-ordinate measures at all levels, through authorities and emergency management services, making use of civil society;
• Involve civil society and other non-state actors, including the private sector, that provide care, services and representation to migrants, asylum seekers and refugees.