From commitment to negotiation: advancing international law to protect people in disasters
Today, the UN General Assembly moved from commitment to action by adopting a modalities resolution that sets the time and place for negotiations on a legally binding instrument on the protection of persons in the event of disasters. This decision opens a new chapter in global disaster risk reduction, shifting the focus from voluntary guidance toward international law and sustained accountability.
From lessons learned to legal progress
The Draft Articles on the Protection of Persons in the Event of Disasters (PPED) were developed by the International Law Commission in response to the growing frequency and severity of disasters, driven by climate change, urbanization and rising exposure.
By explicitly including disaster risk reduction, the draft articles represent a historic recognition that focusing only on disaster response is not enough, and offer the opportunity to elevate DRR from a policy choice to a legal duty. Enshrining the obligation to prevent and reduce disaster risk in international law would reaffirm that DRR is fundamental to protecting human life, dignity and sustainable development.
A people-centred, rights-based approach
At the heart of the PPED is a clear focus on people and their rights. Article 2 defines the purpose of the draft articles as facilitating effective disaster response and reducing disaster risk, while fully respecting human rights. Article 9 requires States to take appropriate measures to prevent, mitigate and prepare for disasters, including through legislation, risk assessments, loss data collection and early warning systems.
By explicitly linking disaster risk reduction with the protection of persons and their rights, the draft articles reinforce principles of equity, inclusion and dignity, ensuring that the needs of the most vulnerable are central to disaster governance.
Anchoring existing frameworks in international law
A future convention based on the PPED would not replace existing global frameworks. Instead, it would anchor and reinforce decades of international commitments on disaster risk reduction, including the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, the Hyogo Framework for Action and the Yokohama Strategy.
Non-binding frameworks such as Sendai would remain essential in providing practical, up-to-date guidance on how to reduce risk and adapt to new scientific knowledge and emerging hazards. A binding legal instrument, in turn, would clarify what States are required to do, strengthening coherence, continuity and accountability across global DRR efforts.
A clear roadmap toward a global legal instrument
The resolution establishes a structured pathway toward concluding a binding instrument.
After a PPED Working Group meeting from 6 to 10 April 2026 to prepare a consolidated text including the draft articles and the proposals submitted by Governments, a Preparatory Committee will meet from 31 August to 4 September 2026 to finalize the consolidated negotiating text, consider proposals submitted by Governments, and agree on participation and working methods. A United Nations Conference of Plenipotentiaries will then be convened in Manila from 25 January to 12 February 2027, with the option of an additional negotiating session later in the year.
The process is designed to be open, transparent and inclusive, with particular attention to the participation of developing countries, including least developed countries and small island developing States. Negotiations will seek to reach agreement by consensus, reinforcing broad ownership and universal adherence.
Strengthening risk governance through law
A binding obligation to reduce disaster risk would help strengthen national and global risk governance. By requiring States to take appropriate measures – through laws, regulations and institutional arrangements – the convention could embed risk reduction across sectors such as land-use planning, infrastructure, health, education and climate policy.
Importantly, the draft articles establish obligations of conduct, not of results. States would be expected to take appropriate measures in line with their capacities, resources and level of development. This approach reflects core principles of international law, promotes fairness and shared responsibility, and encourages continuous progress toward resilience rather than one-size-fits-all benchmarks
Complementing Sendai, reinforcing resilience
A PPED convention would strengthen and extend the impact of the Sendai Framework, translating shared commitments into legal obligations while allowing soft-law frameworks to continue evolving with science and practice.
As negotiations move forward, this process offers a timely opportunity to anchor disaster risk reduction and protection in international law – supporting earlier action, stronger accountability and greater resilience for people everywhere.