Legislation, Standards and Regulations for Disaster Risk Reduction

DRR relies on comprehensive legislation, standards, regulations and predictable budget that provide a roadmap for prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. These legal tools guide land use, building codes, disaster risk management, and early warning systems to reduce vulnerability and enhance resilience. Yet, many African nations struggle with creating and enforcing effective DRR frameworks due to gaps in legislation, weak enforcement, and limited capacity. The evolving nature of disasters further complicates this issue, demanding continuous updates to legal structures. Our upcoming thematic session will address these challenges by examining the crucial role of legal and regulatory measures in strengthening Africa’s DRR capabilities. By bringing together policymakers, legal experts, and disaster risk management practitioners, the session will identify gaps, share best practices, and develop strategies for enhancing DRR frameworks across the continent, aiming to produce actionable recommendations for improving disaster resilience.