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RI needs to protect vulnerable populations in natural disasters, emergencies
As one of the worldâs most disaster-prone countries, Indonesia needs to continue taking precautionary measures to protect its vulnerable populations, particularly women, girls and youth, in times of natural disasters and emergencies, officials have warned
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s one of the world's most disaster-prone countries, Indonesia needs to continue taking precautionary measures to protect its vulnerable populations, particularly women, girls and youth, in times of natural disasters and emergencies, officials have warned.
'The Indonesian government is committed to protecting vulnerable groups,' Social Affairs Minister Khofifah Indar Parawansa said on Monday.
She was speaking at a United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) seminar to mark this year's World Population Day, themed 'Vulnerable Populations in Emergencies', which will fall on July 11.
The National Disaster Mitigation Agency's (BNPB) official data reveals that Indonesia recorded 1,559 disasters across the country throughout 2014, resulting in 490 deaths and affecting the lives of 2 million people.
Thousands of people were displaced and many of them lost loved ones, homes and possessions, the agency said.
In times of humanitarian emergencies, the UNFPA said, the vulnerability of women, girls and young people is often increased.
'Girls and women in crisis situations face much greater risk of abuse, sexual exploitation, violence, forced marriage, reproductive health-related illnesses and death due to a lack of protection and the absence of aid delivery [for] their needs,' it said.
The UN agency further said that of the more than 50 million people who have been forcibly displaced from their homes by conflicts and disasters around the world, women, children and young people make up more than three quarters of the total figure, making them the most vulnerable populations in emergencies.
'When a crisis strikes, humanitarian response must be swift and adaptable to the needs of affected populations,' UNFPA executive director Babatunde Osotimehin said.
'Women and young people may especially require targeted support, and aid must be sustained from the onset of an emergency until recovery,' he went on. (ebf)(+++)
