Applications of disaster risk reduction principles and operational mechanisms to migration in contexts of instability

This chapter explores the application of disaster risk reduction (DRR) principles and operating mechanisms to migration in contexts of instability. DRR includes addressing change in risk, well-being, and security including through adaptation and resilience building. Within the overall sphere of DRR, principles of prevention, mitigation, and post-event response and four operating mechanisms of DRR are considered. These are early warning and risk management, reactions to risk, improved communication, and the use of appropriate response standards. Disaster prevention or mitigation for those who move, host, or stay behind involves adaptive migration, community-based risk reduction, and rights-based approaches to name some. The application of DRR to migration in contexts of instability highlights the importance of engaging localized strategies and sustainable development outcomes for migrants. While DRR principles and operating mechanisms may analytically frame perspectives on migration, there are ongoing theoretical and applied challenges in this relationship.