As climate-related disasters intensify across Latin America, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the European Union have launched Prepárate+, a new regional initiative that places inclusion at the center of disaster preparedness. The project aims to ensure that women, migrants, displaced people, and other marginalized groups are part of planning and decision-making to strengthen community resilience in Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Chile.
"The evidence is clear: when women and migrants are part of disaster preparedness, communities are stronger and more resilient," said Maria Moita, IOM's Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean. "This is not just about fairness but about effectiveness. With support from the European Union and in close collaboration with governments, Prepárate+ gives the region a chance to move from a reactive approach to a truly inclusive model that ensures every voice counts and every life is protected."
Despite progress in disaster risk management across the region, many communities remain vulnerable to crises due to persistent gaps in preparedness, according to recent IOM studies. Many households are still unaware of official emergency plans and public trust in institutions remains limited.
These findings point to a troubling reality: the most vulnerable groups, including women, migrants, displaced people, older persons, children, and persons with disabilities, are often underrepresented in preparedness efforts even though they are among those most at risk. Their exclusion not only limits the effectiveness of response efforts but also increases the human and economic toll of disasters such as floods, landslides, wildfires, earthquakes, and social unrest.
At the same time, the studies acknowledge promising developments. Several countries in the region have strengthened their legal frameworks, communities have developed their own coping mechanisms, and women leaders are playing a growing role in disaster preparedness. These positive trends provide an opportunity to build more inclusive and sustainable systems of risk management that leave no one behind.
The studies conducted under the Prepárate+ initiative highlight both risks and opportunities. They reveal that disasters and social shocks are intensified by structural challenges such as informal housing, limited access to essential services, and precarious livelihoods. At the same time, they highlight how inclusive governance, robust legal frameworks, and women's leadership can serve as powerful drivers of resilience.
According to the Global Report on Internal Displacement 2025 , more than 83 million people were living in displacement worldwide in 2024, with Latin America among the regions most affected by extreme weather events and violence. These findings reinforce the urgent need for inclusive preparedness as a shared priority among governments, communities, and partners working to reduce disaster risks and protect lives.
