Vulnerable but resilient

1. Vulnerable but resilient ESCAP’s work on the impact of the tsunami on older persons

2. Objectives of the Project • Document the experiences of socially marginalized or “vulnerable” groups (e.g. older persons, youth, persons with disabilities, ) as well as women. • To see how they were affected differently by the disaster, whether they participated in decision-making and whether their needs were met during the initial aftermath and in reconstruction

3. Research In Indonesia (Aceh), Sri Lanka and Thailand focus group discussions were held to obtain qualitative data and information concerning the needs of affected survivors . • Structured interviews were used to obtain basic quantitative socio-economic demographic data as well as data on livelihood and health services. • Consultations were held with government, local authorities, local NGOs and others.

4. Sharing of Research Findings National workshops ( Jakarta, Colombo,Bangkok) to share research findings with governments, NGOs, academics , UN agencies and others involved in post-disaster reconstruction and law/policy-making. Regional workshop in Phuket for Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Maldives, India to share national experiences and address the priorities/concerns of these specific groups of survivors in rebuilding process and in disaster preparedness and through appropriate laws and policies

5. Characteristics of Older Populations • A higher percentage are poorer and less educated compared to general population. • Generally physically weaker and may suffer from chronic illness. • Tend to be excluded from development programmes, have limited opportunities to earn income and may have limited access to information and resources. • Tend to be less able to fight for what they need and may be very dependent on others. Health conditions and socio-economic circumstances, poor social support and health facilities all may affect the independence of older people.

6. Characteristics (cont’d) • However, before tsunami some were engaged in economic activities such as fishing, wage labour and informal sector , petty trade. • Because of the long period of continuous conflict in some tsunami-affected countries, coping mechanisms had been developed to cope with problems of weak infrastructure and basic services, especially health and education. • An estimated 35,000 people, predominantly women, children and older people, had already been displaced by internal conflict. Some of those displaced have also been affected by the tsunami.

7. Findings and lessons learned • Though relief was made available by government and relief agencies, specific measures were not taken to reach older persons who often were unable to stand for long periods waiting for relief or were unable to compete with younger persons in survival of the fittest. • Few, if any international relief agencies considered the vulnerability of older persons during and after the disaster. • Needs assessment not the same as consultation and participation.

8. Findings and lessons learned (cont’d ) • Relief workers targeted children, particularly orphans, but did not regard older people as a vulnerable group with particular needs. • A majority of respondents said that relief aid was not distributed equally, causing discord and jealousy among survivors • Trauma, psycho-social problems, insecurity re land/property rights • Washrooms in camps and barracks were not very accessible for older persons, especially at night, due to distance and limited lighting. • People living in barracks had little to do, resulting in depression, frustration, etc.

9. Findings and lessons learned (cont’d) • Care-giving responsibilities increased especially for older women • Family structure changed with loss of family members; implications of roles within family (including gender roles) . • Reconstruction of their homes and livelihoods (access to equipment, tools, funds and training) were priorities of older persons in the rehabilitation process Most of the affected survivors of all ages preferred to be able to start working again, in order to be self-reliant and not dependent on aid. • Older persons are experienced and can be productive, contributing members of their communities if enabled to do so.

10. RECOMMENDATIONS • Ensure the availability of valid data disaggregated by gender, age and disability status. • Establish a transparent system of dissemination of information which is accessible for all, including vulnerable groups and women. • Adopt a human rights framework to relief and reconstruction work that guarantees access for all to information, opportunities and services without any form of discrimination and with special attention to land/property rights, and people who have been made more vulnerable as a result of disasters. • Establish mechanisms to support older persons’ access to their entitlements • Mainstream issues and concerns of vulnerable groups into all policies, programmes and projects as well as disaster prevention and management strategies.

11. Recommendation (cont’d) • As community participation has been too limited so far in programmes run by NGOs, relief organizations as well as those run by the UN and governments, all groups in society should participate in plans for recovery at every level. • Create opportunities for older persons to participate in decision-making and the implementation of their community and country disaster management plans • Provide safety nets to cover women and all vulnerable groups such as children, people with disabilities and older persons. • Develop social protection schemes such as small regular cash payments to very vulnerable older persons

12. Recommendations (cont’d) • Support community-based and self-reliance initiatives • Support older persons who want to work with appropriate skills, funding and jobs • Build upon local strengths and coping mechanisms • Promote a paradigm that treats older persons as “subjects”, who actively participate and make decisions about their future, rather than as “objects” who are passive recipients, recognizing their vulnerability as well as their resilience.