We aim for more resilient, capable communities in the aftermath of disasters. To encourage this, we promote seven principles that underpin our recovery and reconstruction work.

• Do no harm: learn from the past, and avoid unnecessary damage to future recovery
  Emergency relief activities can, inadvertently, hinder future reconstruction and recovery prospects. Governments and humanitarian agencies should start thinking as early as possible about recovery needs and the impact of relief programmes. Build on the best of local practices and avoid repeating past mistakes by learning from what existed before, and what survives the disaster.
   
• Agencies must be accountable to the people they seek to assist
  People who have suffered in disasters are not helpless victims waiting to be rescued. They have skills and capacities; and should be allowed to determine how they want to rebuild their lives and livelihoods. They know their needs and what is acceptable. People themselves should be the drivers of reconstruction and recovery.
   
• People affected by disaster should be the decision-makers
  All groups, including the landless, tenants, poorest, women and children need to be included in decision making. To facilitate inclusion and participation, it is necessary to understand the existing social systems and local power structures. To enable people to make informed choices, NGOs have an important role to play: promoting information sharing and community-based learning.
   
• Recovery of local economy and livelihoods must a priority
  Helping people to recover their means of earning a living is central to reconstruction efforts. Economic recovery enables people to reduce their reliance on long-term relief; adding to self-motivation, dignity and a sense of purpose. Alongside direct relief to affected people, local markets, services and businesses that provide employment or support livelihoods more broadly also need to be assisted. Livelihoods recovery can be part of rebuilding homes and infrastructure, and is more likely when reconstruction avoids relocation of people or settlements.
   
• Reconstruction and recovery efforts must recognize diversity
  Communities and populations affected by disasters are not homogeneous. Different groups have different needs, different skills and capabilities. The particular needs of women, and other disadvantaged groups, must be taken into account.
   
• Communities should be allowed to use their own resources wherever possible
  Recovery is more robust and sustainable when communities are able to draw on their own capabilities, social and economic resources. This provides an opportunity for local markets and businesses to grow, and for people to gain skills and confidence. Support to develop skills and capacities (through training) and access physical resources, encourages people to lead activities and take ownership of recovery processes.
   
• Reconstruction must take account of future hazards and risks.
  Disaster risk assessments and decentralised disaster risk reduction (DRR) planning must be part of the reconstruction and recovery process. Decision-makers need access to intelligible forecasts about critical uncertainties such as the impacts of climate change.