Transcript Increasing Vulnerability of the Poor: Tsunami

Vulnerable but resilient
ESCAP’s work on the impact of
the tsunami on older persons
Objectives of the Project
 Document the experiences of socially marginalized or
“vulnerable” groups (e.g. older persons, youth, persons with
disabilities, ) as well as women.
 To see how they were affected differently by the disaster,
whether they participated in decision-making and whether
their needs were met during the initial aftermath and in
reconstruction
Research
In Indonesia (Aceh), Sri Lanka and Thailand focus
group discussions were held to obtain qualitative
data and information concerning the needs of
affected survivors .
Structured interviews were used to obtain basic
quantitative socio-economic demographic data as
well as data on livelihood and health services.
Consultations were held with government, local
authorities, local NGOs and others.
Sharing of Research Findings
National workshops ( Jakarta, Colombo,Bangkok) to
share research findings with governments, NGOs,
academics , UN agencies and others involved in
post-disaster reconstruction and law/policy-making.
Regional workshop in Phuket for Indonesia, Sri
Lanka, Thailand, and Maldives, India to share
national experiences and address the
priorities/concerns of these specific groups of
survivors in rebuilding process and in disaster
preparedness and through appropriate laws and
policies
Characteristics of Older Populations
 A higher percentage are poorer and less educated
compared to general population.
 Generally physically weaker and may suffer from
chronic illness.
 Tend to be excluded from development programmes,
have limited opportunities to earn income and may
have limited access to information and resources.
 Tend to be less able to fight for what they need and
may be very dependent on others. Health conditions
and socio-economic circumstances, poor social
support and health facilities all may affect the
independence of older people.
Characteristics (cont’d)
 However, before tsunami some were engaged in
economic activities such as fishing, wage labour and
informal sector , petty trade.
 Because of the long period of continuous conflict in
some tsunami-affected countries, coping
mechanisms had been developed to cope with
problems of weak infrastructure and basic services,
especially health and education.
 An estimated 35,000 people, predominantly women,
children and older people, had already been
displaced by internal conflict. Some of those
displaced have also been affected by the tsunami.
Findings and lessons learned
 Though relief was made available by government
and relief agencies, specific measures were not
taken to reach older persons who often were
unable to stand for long periods waiting for relief
or were unable to compete with younger persons
in survival of the fittest.
 Few, if any international relief agencies considered
the vulnerability of older persons during and after
the disaster.
 Needs assessment not the same as consultation
and participation.
Findings and lessons learned (cont’d )
 Relief workers targeted children, particularly orphans, but did
not regard older people as a vulnerable group with particular
needs.
 A majority of respondents said that relief aid was not
distributed equally, causing discord and jealousy among
survivors
 Trauma, psycho-social problems, insecurity re land/property
rights
 Washrooms in camps and barracks were not very accessible for
older persons, especially at night, due to distance and limited
lighting.
 People living in barracks had little to do, resulting in depression,
frustration, etc.
Findings and lessons learned (cont’d)
 Care-giving responsibilities increased especially for
older women
 Family structure changed with loss of family
members; implications of roles within family
(including gender roles) .
 Reconstruction of their homes and livelihoods (access
to equipment, tools, funds and training) were
priorities of older persons in the rehabilitation process
Most of the affected survivors of all ages preferred to
be able to start working again, in order to be selfreliant and not dependent on aid.
 Older persons are experienced and can be
productive, contributing members of their
communities if enabled to do so.
RECOMMENDATIONS
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Ensure the availability of valid data disaggregated by gender,
age and disability status.
Establish a transparent system of dissemination of
information which is accessible for all, including vulnerable
groups and women.
Adopt a human rights framework to relief and reconstruction
work that guarantees access for all to information,
opportunities and services without any form of discrimination
and with special attention to land/property rights, and people
who have been made more vulnerable as a result of disasters.
Establish mechanisms to support older persons’ access to
their entitlements
Mainstream issues and concerns of vulnerable groups into all
policies, programmes and projects as well as disaster
prevention and management strategies.
Recommendation (cont’d)
 As community participation has been too limited so far in
programmes run by NGOs, relief organizations as well as those
run by the UN and governments, all groups in society should
participate in plans for recovery at every level.
 Create opportunities for older persons to participate in decisionmaking and the implementation of their community and
country disaster management plans
 Provide safety nets to cover women and all vulnerable groups
such as children, people with disabilities and older persons.
 Develop social protection schemes such as small regular cash
payments to very vulnerable older persons
Recommendations (cont’d)
 Support community-based and self-reliance
initiatives
 Support older persons who want to work with
appropriate skills, funding and jobs
 Build upon local strengths and coping mechanisms
 Promote a paradigm that treats older persons as
“subjects”, who actively participate and make
decisions about their future, rather than as
“objects” who are passive recipients, recognizing
their vulnerability as well as their resilience.