Japan: Initiative for disaster reduction through ODA

A sectoral assistance policy under the Official Development Assistance (ODA) Charter and the medium-term policy on ODA, intended to strengthen appropriate measures against tsunami and other various natural disasters, launched on the occasion of the World Conference on Disaster Reduction.

It includes basic principles and basic policies regarding: (1) raising the priority attached to disaster reduction; (2) perspective of human security; (3) gender perspective; (4) importance of assistance regarding software; (5) mobilization of Japan's experience, expertise, and technology; (6) mobilization and dissemination of locally available and suitable technology; and (7) promoting partnerships with various stakeholders.

It formulates the cooperation corresponding to each phase of disaster and proposes concrete measures in relation to: (i) institution building; (ii) human resources development; (iii) development of economic and social infrastructure; and (iv) assistance for the reconstruction of livelihoods.