Risk and Disaster Management Unit The damage caused by disasters and conflicts is staggering. In the first half of this year alone the cost accrued by natural disasters has been US$ 24 billion, with over 60 million civilians affected by some 30 conflicts. The UN Secretary General Kofi Annan has called for a more unified response to these growing global threats. The Risk and Disaster Management Unit (RDMU) was created to marshal the resources of UNCHS (Habitat) to provide local government, communities and business organisations with practical strategies for mitigating and recovering from conflicts and natural disasters. With the largest operational budget of the Centre, RDMU field activities cover several disaster and conflict affected countries. These activities inform on-going tool and network development for vulnerability reduction in human settlements. Specific areas for attention include: Protection and rehabilitation of housing, infrastructure & public facilities. Resettlement of displaced persons and returnees. Restoration of local social structures through settlement development. Land and settlements planning and management for disaster prevention. Creation of coordination mechanisms for improved disaster management.

Highlights Events Proceedings of the Parallel Event on Reconstruction and Recovery Following Conflict and Natural Disaster During the 19th session of the Governing Council on 7 May 2003 in Nairobi, Kenya »more