CDEMA and UNICEF Strengthen Commitment to Child-Centred Disaster Management in the Caribbean

Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis – 4 December 2024 – The Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) and UNICEF have officially signed a Regional Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at reducing vulnerability and building resilience across the Caribbean region*. This partnership, signed by Jean-Benoit Manhes, UNICEF Representative for the Eastern Caribbean Area, and Elizabeth Riley, Executive Director of CDEMA, will focus on strengthening child-centred disaster management in collaboration with local, national, and regional authorities.

The MOU emphasizes the importance of promoting disaster risk management policies and best practices, with particular attention to enhancing systems that address the unique needs of children during emergencies.

"This partnership reflects our shared commitment to safeguarding the most vulnerable in times of crisis, particularly children,” said Manhes representing the UNICEF Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean. “By strengthening child-centred disaster management, we are building more resilient communities and ensuring that children’s needs are met before, during, and after disasters.

Riley added: "Under this new Memorandum of Understanding, we re-affirm our shared commitment to strengthening child-centred disaster management across the Caribbean. Together, CDEMA and UNICEF will strengthen the harmonization of programming and targeting results across CDEMA participating states."

The agreement was announced at the 13th Caribbean Conference on Comprehensive Disaster Management (CDM 13), where both organizations reiterated their dedication to improving national disaster management systems. Key initiatives under this partnership include efforts to promote resilient schools, empower youth as active contributors to disaster resilience, and drive policy reforms on child protection.

The partnership also highlights the critical need for mental health and psychosocial support for children in disaster-affected communities. Additionally, the organizations aim to ensure access to essential services such as water, sanitation, and hygiene in times of crisis.

* Anguilla, British Virgin Islands, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Monserrat, Saint Lucia,  St Kitts and Nevis, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, and Turks and Caicos Islands.