ABSTRACT
In many legal systems, catastrophic natural phenomena that are considered to be beyond the control and responsibility of human beings are referred to as ‘acts of God’. However, the economic crisis has been considered as possessing the features of exceptionality and gravity that call for the implementation of exceptional measures. It is also evident that disasters disproportionately affect poorer communities because of their greater vulnerability, generating increased food insecurity and deepening poverty. Legal resilience, however, also includes the capacity effectively to tackle the long-term consequences of disastrous events. Even in this respect, human rights case law has made its contribution. In sum, disaster resilience needs to be looked at as a collective effort, aimed at dealing with disasters and other emergencies in a cost-effective manner, while keeping in mind the basic rights of individuals and groups, as well as the public interest in preserving the environment and natural resources.
