Paula Gaviria: Post-disaster reconstruction must be aimed at risk reduction

Post-conflict and post-disaster recovery should reduce risks and enhance urban resilience, rather than reproducing previous vulnerabilities, UN Special Rapporteur on the right to housing, Paula Gaviria Betancur, said at an event during WUF13, Report informs.

She stated that long-term sustainability and security must remain a priority when implementing reconstruction programs.

As an example, she cited the aftermath of the devastating earthquakes in Türkiye, where large-scale reconstruction of damaged cities is currently underway.

"The key question is not how quickly construction proceeds, but whether new projects are capable of mitigating future risks and preventing further displacement," she emphasized.

Paula Gaviria noted that the principle of "building back better" should be applied in practice and not remain merely a declaration.

"Reconstruction must not be limited to restoring what existed before the crisis. It must contribute to the creation of safer, more inclusive, and more resilient communities," the Special Rapporteur added.