Treaties protect astronauts, but not people in disasters: Why Red Cross wants that to change
3 November 2026
International treaties already set out protections for astronauts in distress. But when disaster strikes here on Earth, there is still no comprehensive global treaty specifically focused on protecting people.
That could be about to change.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has launched its Earth’s Missing Treaty campaign, backed by astronauts from around the world, to build support for a new global treaty to protect people before, during and after disasters.
UN Member States have agreed to negotiate the world’s first comprehensive global treaty dedicated to protecting people before, during and after disasters, with the Red Cross and Red Crescent playing a leading role in its development.
The proposed Treaty on the Protection of Persons in the Event of Disasters aims to strengthen disaster preparedness and response and help lifesaving assistance reach people quickly and effectively when disaster strikes.
The treaty could help address legal and administrative barriers that can delay humanitarian teams, specialist equipment and lifesaving supplies when disasters strike. It could also simplify customs and border procedures and make cooperation between governments and humanitarian organisations more predictable.
Why this matters for Aotearoa New Zealand
In Aotearoa New Zealand, communities have experienced the devastating impacts of earthquakes, floods and severe weather events, highlighting the importance of strong disaster preparedness as well as response and recovery arrangements.
New Zealand Red Cross Secretary General Sarah Stuart-Black says “the proposed treaty comes at an important time, as disasters continue to have devastating impacts on millions of people around the world.”
“The IFRC pioneered work in disaster law and has spent more than 20 years working alongside governments around the world to strengthen their domestic disaster laws and the systems that protect people.
“It has also been a strong advocate for this global treaty. That depth of experience means IFRC is well placed to provide technical expertise and practical experience as governments negotiate what will be the first comprehensive global treaty of its kind.”
Professor John Hopkins, Director of the University of Canterbury’s LEAD Institute for Law Emergencies and Disasters says the lack of a global treaty on disasters is a glaring gap in international law.
“Unlike in the case of war, states have little or no obligations to provide assistance to other states or the victims of such events.
“A global treaty would help make it clearer what countries can expect from each other when disaster strikes, and make it easier to get help to people who need it.
“A treaty won’t solve every problem, but it would give countries a common framework to work from and help remove some of the legal barriers that can get in the way of an effective response.”
Read more about the history of disaster law and IFRC's role: Celebrating 20 years of Disaster Law
Note: While this article deals with international disaster law, the New Zealand domestic legislation Civil Defence Emergency Management Act 2002 has been repealed and replaced with the Emergency Management Act 2026. This reflects the increased expectations of the emergency management system, and everyone involved in it. New Zealand Red Cross contributed feedback during consultation process including through the Select Committee process.