WorldRiskReport 2018
Focus: Child Protection and Children's Rights
Highlights
In regards to climate, 2018 was an eye-opening year. In Germany and Europe, temperatures of almost 40 degrees Celcius, parched fields, and forest fires sharpened many people’s perception of climate change's impact. In Indonesia, earthquakes and tsunamis emphasized the country’s very high exposure and vulnerability. Again, it has become apparent that being well prepared for extreme natural events is crucial. This WorldRiskReport shows just how much preparedness, coping skills, and the capacity to adapt differs from country to country. It provides a tool to assess disaster risks worldwide, and identifies where the need for better measures to cope with, and adapt to, extreme natural events is greatest.
This year’s focus on “Child Protection and Children’s Rights” draws attention to a particularly vulnerable section of the population. The number of children who have had to flee because of disasters, who were exploited, abused, injured, or even killed over the last few years is alarming. About one out of every four children worldwide lives in a country affected by disasters. The WorldRiskReport 2018 explores the rights of children in the context of disasters, explains the particular vulnerability of young people, and clarifies the vital need for action in this area. A comprehensive and participatory concept is required to protect girls and boys in fragile situations and
strengthen their rights. This is the only way to create the foundations for coming generations to develop their own life perspectives, particularly in high-risk countries. With research into the rights of children based on international law, and worldwide projects on the protection and participation of children, both the IFHV and Bündnis Entwicklung Hilft, together with its local partners, advocate to shape fairer and safer structures for children in the future.
