Komnas urges affirmative distribution of aid in Flores

The National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan) is urging that the distribution of services and aid in Flores, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), following the earthquake, be based on the principle of affirmation, with vulnerable groups given priority.

“Distribution of services and aid based on the principle of affirmation, where vulnerable groups receive priority, including the elderly, children, people with disabilities, sick victims, and women,” said Komnas Perempuan Deputy Chair Dahlia Madanih when contacted in Jakarta on Wednesday, responding to outreach and aid provision for vulnerable groups in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) after the earthquake.

This is important because the tendency for aid distribution to rely on physical strength, such as jostling, will pose risks for vulnerable groups in obtaining assistance.

In addition, the commission also asked the government to pay attention to the specific needs of women and vulnerable groups through carefully disaggregated data collection.

According to her, disaggregated data is important in emergency disaster management to ensure that vulnerable groups are properly handled.

She also highlighted the importance of arranging evacuation sites that are safe and friendly to women, including ensuring that support posts also establish mechanisms for access to services for the prevention and handling of violence against women in evacuation sites.

Komnas Perempuan also encourages the involvement of women in emergency response, recovery, and rehabilitation efforts.

“Women should be involved in emergency response, recovery and rehabilitation, and be sensitive to local culture, fair and non-discriminatory on any basis,” she said.