Briefing on the Convention on the Protection of Persons in the Event of Disasters (PPED)

In December 2024, the UN General Assembly decided through Resolution 79/128 to move forward with the development of a Convention on the Protection of Persons in the Event of Disasters (PPED). The tentative timeline for the negotiations spans from 2025 to 2027.

The Draft Articles adopted by the International Law Commission during its sixty-eighth session in 2015 will be used as the basis for the negotiations. Conceived in the wake of the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, the Draft Articles are a response to the increasing frequency and severity of disasters and their damaging impacts. The Draft Articles contribute to strengthening international law concerning disaster risk reduction and response, establishing clearer legal obligations and enhancing international cooperation and assistance. Additionally, they recognize the centrality of humanitarian principles, the sovereignty of States and the primary role of the affected State.

Objectives:

This briefing aims to:

1. Inform participants about the ongoing process to develop a Convention for the Protection of Persons in the Event of Disasters.
2. Explore the disaster risk reduction elements of the Draft Articles and their connection to the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.
3. Highlight upcoming opportunities for Member States to engage in this topic.