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Summary: Jamaica’s Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), as part of a cooperative initiative with UNICEF-Jamaica, has developed a set of guidelines to ensure that risk management, especially disaster response in Jamaica uses a child-rights approach.
Jamaica’s Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), as part of a cooperative initiative with UNICEF-Jamaica, has developed a set of guidelines to ensure that risk management, especially disaster response in Jamaica uses a child-rights approach. The Child Development Agency, the Planning Institute of Jamaica, the Salvation Army, 3D Projects and Children First were partners that participated in this initiative. The booklet, Guidelines for Child-Friendly Disaster Management and Response, serves as an aide-memoire for planners and implementers in times of emergency. It uses a checklist format, making it easy for any practitioner in the field to refer quickly to the appropriate sector and guidelines for assistance. The general considerations for child-friendly disaster management and response include: 1. Vulnerability of children The importance of psychosocial support before, during and after emergencies is also highlighted. Relevant excerpts from the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989) include Articles 6, 9, 20, 22, 24, 28, 31, 34, 39. The Convention clearly states that children have the right to be the first to receive attention in any emergency situation. We must continue to advocate for provisions for children’s basic survival needs (food, water and shelter) as well as for their psycho-affective needs during times of emotional trauma, to provide love, recreation and play opportunities while recovery efforts are underway.
2. Special problems of children in disasters
3. Child protection issues
4. Health issues
5. Water and sanitation
6. Food and nutrition
7. Shelter issues
8. Education issues