International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction 2023

Key messages

• Disasters are growing and impact the well-being of children and youth. 
• A staggering 400 million students globally experienced school closures from extreme weather since 2022.
• Every child and youth deserves to be protected from disasters, especially at school. 
• Schools have a critical role in promoting a culture of disaster prevention and empowering young people to understand and act on the risks they face.  
• Early warning systems should be accessible to children and youth so that no one is left behind.
• A one-time investment of $18.51 per child can mitigate the impact from climate shocks. 
• Climate crisis is hitting education the hardest in low-income countries, with 18 school days lost annually on average, compared to 2.4 days in wealthier nations.
• Building the preparedness of children and youth can help protect entire families and communities.  
• Countries need child-centred DRR policies. This means integrating the needs, vulnerabilities and ideas of children into disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation plans, with resources dedicated to their implementation. 
• Child-centred DRR is grounded in the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. 
• Schools should be safe learning spaces, where children and staff are protected from ALL risks 
• The Comprehensive School Safety Framework offers governments a way to protect children and schools from all risks and hazards in the education sector  
• Children and youth have the right to safety, security, and protection in schools, to educational continuity, and to participate in decisions that affect their future. 
• Over 1 billion children have had their lives disrupted by disasters since 2000, with over 80,000 schools  damaged or destroyed. Child rights must be protected for #safechildrensafeschools.  
• We’re calling on governments and partners to act now to commit to implementing the Comprehensive School Safety Framework to protect children, educators, staff, & schools - we need a multi-hazard approach to school safety.