Protection of Persons in the event of Disasters (PPED)

News | March 10, 2026

On 27 February 2026, disability rights advocates, humanitarian leaders, and disaster risk experts from around the world gathered for a dynamic and forward looking webinar on the emerging Treaty on the Protection of Persons in the Event of Disasters (PPED). With contributions from the International Disability Alliance (IDA), International Federation of the Red Cross, (IFRC), CBM Global, and regional Organisation of Persons with Disabilities (OPD) partners, the event highlighted a growing global movement: one that is determined to ensure people with disabilities are not only protected in disasters, but recognised as leaders in shaping safer, more inclusive societies.

A Pivotal Moment: The PPED Treaty Takes Shape

The PPED represents one of the most ambitious global efforts to build an inclusive disaster governance system. Its origins lie in the International Law Commission’s 2016 Draft Articles, which laid out 18 core principles for cooperation during disasters. Though originally nonbinding, they sparked a multiyear UN process that is now accelerating rapidly.

Momentum surged when the UN General Assembly agreed in 2024 to finalise a legally binding treaty by the end of 2027. Governments submitted their proposed amendments in late 2025, and a consolidated negotiation text is expected in early 2026—opening the door to serious technical negotiations.

Key milestones ahead include:

• April 2026: First reading of the consolidated text
• Aug–Sept 2026: Preparatory Committee meeting
• Jan–Feb 2027: Three week Conference of Plenipotentiaries in Manila
• Potential August 2027 extension session

This ambitious timeline reflects a shared global understanding: disasters—exacerbated by climate change, conflict, and inequality—demand a coordinated and rights based international response. The time, therefore, is now for us to act…  

Why the PPED Matters: Bringing Disability Inclusion to the Forefront

Speakers underscored that the PPED treaty could transform how countries prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters.

The IFRC highlighted three major areas where the treaty can make a lasting difference:

1. Ensuring protection for all, especially people in at risk situations
2. Embedding disaster risk reduction (DRR) as a shared global responsibility
3. Enabling faster, coordinated humanitarian assistance when national capacities are overwhelmed

The current draft articles already emphasize dignity, humanity, and non discrimination. However, critical gaps remain—especially on accessibility, participation, inclusive data, and needs assessments. Addressing these now is essential to building a treaty that can deliver real world impact.

The IFRC’s proposals aim to strengthen this foundation by calling for:

• A broader, rights based scope, covering all phases of disasters
• Recognition of a right to humanitarian assistance
• A detailed list of commitments for meeting the needs of a trisk groups
• Stronger mainstreaming of DRR and inclusive resilience planning
• Clear operational measures such as faster customs processing, equipment waivers, and duty exemptions to support international relief

Bringing Disability Inclusion into Focus: IDA’s Recommendations

IDA presented a comprehensive analysis of disability-related gaps in the draft treaty, including the lack of ‘disability’ being explicitly referenced, and offered practical and progressive recommendations. Their proposals aim to ensure that persons with disabilities are included from the start, not as afterthoughts, but as vital stakeholders.

Priority improvements include:

1. Stronger Foundational Principles
   The treaty needs explicit commitments to accessibility and participation, and must move away from outdated “vulnerability” language toward modern rights based framing, of ‘at risk’ and most marginalised.
   
2. Inclusive Risk Reduction and Preparedness
   Recommendations include requiring:
    – Accessible early warnings
    – Disability disaggregated data
    – Inclusive preparedness measures and planning
3. Inclusive Relief and Assistance
   Key additions include:
    – Inclusive needs assessments
    – Accessibility and reasonable accommodation in evacuation and shelter processes
4. Implementation and Cooperation
   The treaty should establish mechanisms for:
    – Meaningful OPD participation
    – Monitoring and accountability
    – Capacity strengthening for inclusive DRR

Broader recommendations include introducing accessible communication standards, expanding the definition of “disaster” to include slow onset climate hazards, aligning the treaty with CRPD obligations, and ensuring dedicated budgets and safeguards.

 

The Philippines: Leading by Example

As host of the 2027 negotiations, the Philippines is setting an inspiring example through its Disability Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction (DIDRR) Bill. The Bill mainstreams disability inclusion across all DRRM phases and mandates:

• Accessible early warning systems
• Inclusive evacuation centres
• Disability disaggregated data
• Formal participation of OPDs as partners in government engagement with planning and decision making

The Cebu DiDRR Network, an OPD driven coalition, is further demonstrating the power of community leadership (“it is everyones business”) — whilst showing how lived experience can drive transformative policy change, “True influence in advocacy is the ability to turn lived experience into effective policy and practice”.

The Essential Role of OPDs in Shaping the Treaty

A resounding message from the webinar was clear: OPDs are indispensable to creating an inclusive PPED treaty.

Their roles include:

• Policy advocacy with national governments
• Technical expertise in evacuation, shelter design, and early warning systems
• Accountability monitoring at community and national levels
• Direct influence on treaty negotiations as advisors, partners, and watchdogs

Looking Ahead: From Lived Experience to Global Leadership

The PPED treaty process represents an extraordinary opportunity to embed disability inclusion into global disaster governance. The path forward requires collaboration, energy, and sustained advocacy—but the momentum is unmistakable.

As highlighted during the webinar, the true measure of success will be whether the treaty empowers persons with disabilities as leaders, partners, and active agents of resilience. With OPDs and allies at the forefront, the world has a real chance to build a disaster governance framework that works for everyone—and leaves no one behind.

 

Related Resources

• Treaty on the Protection of Persons in the Event of Disasters
• IFRC Proposals on strengthening the draft articles on the protection of persons in the event of disasters
• Key Milestones Set for the Future Treaty on the Protection of Persons in the Event of Disasters
• United Nations Diplomatic Conference of Plenipotentiaries on Protection of Persons in the Event of Disasters

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