Timely. Natural disasters report release by the John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights.

PRESS RELEASE

Edmonton, (May 17 2016) -  In light of what is now touted as the nation’s largest natural disaster in Canadian history, the wildfires in Ft. McMurray; the John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights (JHC) is releasing a two year research report on natural disasters and human rights entitled Protecting Human Rights in Natural Disasters: Considerations for Alberta. This report looked at the floods that happened in High River, a town which was hit particularly hard by the Southern Alberta Floods in 2013. The research was conducted by Renee Vaugeois and Tatiana Wugalter and commissioned by Thinking...for a Change.

This report provides seven priority recommendations for the Government of Alberta as well as an additional thirteen secondary recommendations and learnings. The seven priority recommendations can, and should, be applied to the recovery efforts in Fort McMurray but also considered in future response efforts. Priority recommendations include; a network of advocates; a safe space for remedy of disputes and concerns; support the recovery of key documents; multisectoral collaboration and communication; caps placed on hotel fees; donor support to local community agencies; and, special attention to disenfranchised and marginalized.

This report aims to inspire a debate and conversation that ensure that when a natural disaster happens, all Albertans can be included in the recovery and planning processes and that together, as a province, are working to operationalize the Sendai Framework.

The John Humphrey Centre calls on the Government of Alberta to take action by supporting a provincial level discussion that looks at the recommendations put forward and build standards and protocols to ensure rights are protected in natural disaster and that supports and remedy are inclusive and accessible to all.

The John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights envisions a world that manifests a culture of peace and human rights in which the dignity of every person is respected, valued and celebrated.  We work to advance a culture of peace and human rights through educational programs and activities, community collaboration and relationship building guided by the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

For additional information, contact:
Tisha Raj
Projects Coordinator
780-235-2961
tisha@jhcentre.org

Natural Disasters Report 2015 by John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights