UNICEF works with South Asian nations to reduce children casualties in disasters

A high level policy dialogue on child-centered disaster risk reduction in South Asia has kicked off here Thursday.

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in South Asia and the Disaster Management Center from the South Asia Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC) have joined hands to come up with a new framework to advance and strengthen child-centered policies on disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation.

"Child-centered disaster risk reduction is a long-term investment. Raising awareness of children and youth on disaster risk will ensure better disaster-prepared generations across this region and contribute to save and improve many lives," Philippe Cori, Deputy Regional Director for UNICEF in South Asia said in a press release.

Over the past decade, South Asia has faced more than 350 disaster events annually, affecting 264 million people per year and costing the region an average annual loss of about 109 billion U.S. dollars.

According to the statement, more than 60 percent of those killed or affected are children and although disasters affect all, children are disproportionately vulnerable to its risks. The situation is further exacerbated by poverty, rapid urbanization, and socio-economic challenges in the region.

In 2015 alone, more than 1 million children were severely affected by the April 25 earthquake in Nepal.

The two-day event will mark participation from senior policy makers and high-level representatives from the United Nations, the European Union, and SAARC member states. Endi