IFRC says UN negotiations on disaster-protection treaty start next year; aims to conclude by end of 2027

Isabel Granger, who leads IFRC's work on disaster law, said negotiations on the draft treaty began in April and that "states have agreed to conclude the negotiation by the end of 2027." She added that procedural matters were being discussed at a conference that week and that the exact date of the international negotiation conference would be announced following those discussions.

Granger contrasted the proposed treaty with the Sendai Framework, saying Sendai is a "non binding instrument" that provides political commitment and guidance but does not impose duties on states. By contrast, she said, the draft treaty would create legal duties for states to reduce disaster risk, including provisions for mitigation and preparedness.

When asked where the conference would be held, speakers said the site was in finalization and likely somewhere in Asia but that a precise location had not yet been confirmed at the briefing.