No matter who we are or where we live, when disasters happen all of us should know that we have an Emergency Management system that is built to be fair, just, and reliable.
That means a system:
≫ that recognises the mana of iwi, hapū and whānau in their local areas,
≫ that benefits from the knowledge and skills that disabled people gain over a lifetime,
≫ that is strong and flexible because it takes into account the different barriers people face,
≫ that works for everyone who lives in our communities – with clearer communication, more accessible planning and better outcomes for us all.
Te Kāhui Tika Tangata Human Rights Commission has worked with disabled people and tāngata whaikaha Māori to develop this set of resources to support more accessible, rights-based emergency preparedness, response and recovery systems across Aotearoa New Zealand.
The resources include:
- A Call to Action / He Karanga Ohomauri – a guide to initiating conversations about creating inclusive emergency management systems
- Evidence Guide – national and international resources on inclusive emergency management systems
- Case Study – ‘Whirinaki in Hokianga’ / Whirinaki ki Hokianga – an example of how a hapū uses an inclusive approach to emergency management
- Captioned video ‘Inclusion is Preparedness’ (available on YouTube and at the top of this page – click on image)
Accessible versions are available below.
The resources are for disabled people, tāngata whaikaha Māori, whānau, communities, emergency management agencies, local government and service providers. They aim to encourage conversations that build shared understanding about why including Māori and disabled people in emergency management planning is crucial.
“Disabled people are rights-holders, leaders and experts in our own lives. We must be part of decisions, plans and communications that affect our safety and wellbeing,” said Prudence Walker, Disability Rights Commissioner. “Inclusive emergency management is a human rights issue. It is central to protecting dignity, safety, autonomy and participation.”
The resources reflect the leadership and lived experience of disabled people and recognise the importance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, whānau-centred approaches, tāngata whaikaha Māori leadership and accessible information for everyone.
“Emergencies can expose barriers that already exist in our systems,” said Walker. “These resources affirm disabled people’s knowledge, leadership and right to being part of planning. They also support emergency management organisations to understand and act on their responsibilities to remove barriers to including disabled people and tāngata whaikaha Māori.”
The Commission asks emergency management agencies, councils, community organisations and service providers to share the resources through their networks and use them to strengthen inclusive planning.
Aotearoa New Zealand’s international obligations to ensure the safety, inclusion, and participation of disabled people in emergency management are grounded in three key agreements:
- the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), signed in 2008;
- the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-30; and
- the Charter on Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Humanitarian Action, 2016.
See also Planning for Disability Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction
What can I do to support this kaupapa?
1. Share this webpage and resources by email, newsletter and social media.
2. Use the resources in emergency preparedness conversations, hui, workshops or staff meetings.
3. Print copies for people who may not have reliable internet access.
4. Encourage local emergency management and council contacts to use the resources.
5. Send us feedback about what is useful, what is missing and what could be improved via infoline@hrc.co.nz
