사회재난 발생 직후의 재난피해자 지원방안에 관한 소고

Recently, large-scale social disasters continue to occur, and as of 2023, the number of deaths due to social disasters has reached the highest record. Social disasters appear as a new type that has not been experienced in the past, and the scale of damage is also significant, and the state’s support for disaster victims has become an important social task. The current disaster response system is operated based on relief, short-term recovery, and financial compensation after the disaster, but systematic support for the initial response immediately after the disaster is insufficient. Problems repeatedly revealed in the Ferry Sewol disaster, the October 29 Itaewon disaster, and the Osong Underpass disaster are the lack of rapid and accurate information delivery, the lack of a single window to provide integrated support, and the lack of practical damage support. The government-centered support method, which does not sufficiently reflect the situation and needs of disaster victims, is acting as a factor that causes conflict with victims and delays disaster recovery in the process of disaster recovery. In the following, the current status and problems of the initial response system for disaster victims immediately after a social disaster occurrence are analyzed and improvement measures are suggested. First, a clear legal definition of ‘disaster victim’ is needed in the Framework Act on Disaster and Safety Management, and the concept of disaster victim should be classified according to the types of damage (Deceased victims, missing persons, injured survivors, and their families) that cover life-property damage. Second, it is necessary to establish a customized support system for each type of disaster victim. Support that should be provided in common to all disaster victims and professional support for each type of damage should be provided separately. Third, a Specialized Disaster Response Official system should be operated so that personnel with experience and expertise in disaster sites can systematically support disaster victims. Ultimately, disaster-related laws, including the Framework Act on Disaster and Safety Management, should establish a support system centered on disaster victims by establishing clear legal grounds for initial support for disaster victims immediately after social disasters occur, and establishing guidelines that can be practically used by the government and local governments.