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Children's action for disaster risk reduction: views from children in Asia

The Secretariat for the UNISDR has released a report outlining the contributions from children to disaster risk reduction (DRR) efforts in Asia titled “Children’s Action for DRR: Views From Children in Asia.” The report was released on the sidelines of the 5th Asian Ministerial Conference on DRR, which is convening in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, from 22-25 October 2012. Children participating in the conference stressed the importance of their involvement in disaster planning and implementation activities. The report indicates that Asian children and youth have been involved in hazard mapping, raising awareness through radio and games, as well as influencing other children, their teachers, parents and communities on how to reduce the effects of disasters. This finding was reiterated in a statement to the Ministerial meeting by the Children in Changing Climate (CCC), which underscored that children should not be seen only as victims in disasters, though they are vulnerable and face particular risks to their health, protection, access to education and nutrition.