As the cyclone season approaches, the Coalition Government is making strides to implement the draft National Disaster Risk Management Bill. This proposed legislation results from a thorough review of the Natural Disaster Management Act 1998 and aims to enhance clarity and efficiency in responding to various hazards and disasters.
During a recent parliamentary session, Ratu Rakuita Vakalalabure, chairman of the Standing Committee on Justice, Law, and Human Rights, emphasized that the Bill provides clear directives for both State and non-State disaster responders, focusing on a wide range of hazards while excluding civil unrest and terrorism.
A key feature of the draft Bill is the establishment of the Fiji Cluster System, a collaborative effort among all humanitarian organizations within the country. This initiative aims to improve coordination in humanitarian efforts, fostering partnerships across different institutions for effective disaster risk management.
The draft Bill also enhances the role of disaster service liaison officers, who will serve as the first contact points for disaster risk reduction and management. While the role is not new, it underscores the importance of non-State first responders, whose contributions have been validated through years of experience.
Additionally, the Bill addresses the regulation of foreign aid, aiming to prevent waste of funds received from international donors. For instance, after Tropical Cyclone Winston, Australia contributed a significant $35 million in aid. The proposed legislation includes provisions to govern international assistance and mitigate potential issues linked to unsolicited bilateral donations.
Furthermore, the Bill seeks to establish an integrated multi-hazard early warning system. This system will connect existing early warning mechanisms across various sectors, with the National Emergency Operation Centre providing technical capacity for hazard monitoring and real-time warnings.
Another noteworthy aspect is the establishment of a register for non-State disaster risk management volunteers, intended to protect rather than restrict their activities. This provision requires volunteer organizations to formally register, ensuring a framework that safeguards volunteers during disaster response efforts.
The proposed Bill’s real impact will depend on its eventual adoption and implementation by relevant stakeholders, including the Fiji Council of Social Services, which contributed to the review of the 1998 Act. Coordinator Vani Catanasiga expressed appreciation for the government’s efforts to include input from civil society organizations (CSOs) while raising questions about accountability among government responders in comparison to CSOs and community volunteers.
Catanasiga noted the importance of establishing mechanisms that hold civil servants accountable to the same humanitarian standards as non-State actors. She emphasized that without these mechanisms, the Bill may not fulfill its intended objectives.
Catanasiga’s concerns about ensuring accountability for civil servant responders are crucial, as disaster risk reduction and management rely heavily on their capabilities when adverse events occur.