“Legal Responses to Disasters: A Comparative Study of Victim Protections in India, USA and Japan”

Abstract

This research paper, titled “Legal Responses to Disasters: A Comparative Study of Victim Protections in India, USA, and Japan” explores the effectiveness of legal frameworks in safeguarding the rights of disaster-induced victims. Disasters, whether natural or man-made, have devastating impacts, necessitating robust legal responses to ensure timely protection and support for affected populations¹. The study focuses on the legal systems of three distinct countries India, the USA, and Japan, each with unique geographical and socio-political challenges.

Through a comparative analysis, this research examines the key components of disaster-related legal frameworks in these nations, assessing their effectiveness in protecting victim rights and facilitating recovery. Particular attention is given to the state of Uttarakhand in India, a region frequently affected by natural disasters² for ground level findings. The study identifies significant gaps and challenges within these legal systems and offers insights into best practices that could be adapted to enhance victim protection globally. The findings of this research are intended to contribute to the development of more effective legal responses to disasters, providing valuable recommendations for policymakers, legal practitioners, and scholars. By highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the legal approaches in India, the USA, and Japan, the study aims to support the creation of more resilient and responsive legal frameworks for disaster-induced victims.