"Foreword" [2016] ELECD 1248; in Breau, C. Susan; Samuel, L.H. Katja (eds), "Research Handbook on Disasters and International Law" (Edward Elgar Publishing, 2016) xi

Book Title: Research Handbook on Disasters and International Law

Editor(s): Breau, C. Susan; Samuel, L.H. Katja

Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing

ISBN (hard cover): 9781784717391

Section Title: Foreword

Number of pages: 2

Extract:

Foreword


I am pleased to introduce this timely publication in the Edward Elgar Series of
Research Handbooks in International Law, the Research Handbook on Disasters and
International Law.
In 2007, the International Law Commission included in its programme of work the
topic `Protection of Persons in the Event of Disasters'. In my capacity as the
Commission's Special Rapporteur I have prepared since 2008 seven annual reports on
this important topic, on the basis of which the Commission was able in 2014 to adopt
in its first reading a complete set of 21 Draft Articles with commentaries. They have
been transmitted to governments, international organisations, the International Commit-
tee of the Red Cross and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent
Societies (IFRC) for comments and observations to be submitted to the Secretary-
General of the United Nations by 1 January 2016. In the light of those that may be
received, I shall prepare an eighth report intended to enable the Commission to adopt in
its second reading its definitive Draft on the topic, for transmittal to the General
Assembly together with the Commission's recommendation as to its final form.
In my reports I have taken a holistic view of the meaning of disaster, endorsed by the
Commission, to include both those caused by natural events and those that may have
been caused or aggravated by human activity. The definition of disaster enshrined in
the draft articles is a calamitous event or series of events, leading to ...