New Publication Underscores Critical Need for Two-way Information in Disaster Management
Analysis:
With changing weather patterns and increased urbanization the world is seeing more frequent disasters with greater human and environmental impact The devastating earthquake in Haiti, torrential floods in Pakistan and the destruction wrought by successive typhoons in the Philippines are but three examples. At the same time there are an increasing number and variety of stakeholders in emergency and disaster humanitarian response: the United Nations system, bilateral donors, national governments and non-governmental actors. Some come with specialist humanitarian mandates, while others are multi-mandated. National and international organizations – whether civilian or military in nature – partner together in support of relief efforts. Even the private sector is becoming increasingly involved through corporate social responsibility and shared-value initiatives.
Affected communities are the focus of assistance, but to what extent are they aware and to what extent can they influence the delivery of such assistance? When, where, how and to what degree do they access humanitarian assistance? What are their rights and entitlements, and what are the roles and responsibilities of aid agencies? Despite combined efforts, appropriate communication and timely information targeting affected populations remain largely insufficient. Even when they are present, communication and information efforts are often uncoordinated or duplicated. These are the questions addressed in Communicating with Communities: A Case Study and Guide from Pakistan and Elsewhere.
Pakistan - When disasters strike, information can be as essential as physical aid. The first questions people need answering in an emergency are “How can I survive this, how can I protect my loved ones, and where can I get help?”
Getting this information to people in need, and listening to their concerns form the subject matter of a new publication released today by the International Organization for Migration and the Humanitarian Accountability Partnership (HAP) International.
In Communicating with Communities: A Case Study and Guide from Pakistan and Elsewhere authors Brian Kelly and Ariane Quentier highlight achievements, ongoing efforts and future plans, in improving information delivery to and communication with affected communities.
“This guide highlights the lack of critical information in emergency response and what needs to be done to ensure that affected populations, especially marginalized groups, can make informed decisions,” noted Brian Kelly, Senior Advisor in Emergencies and Post Conflict with IOM.
While focusing on communications activities during the emergency and early recovery stages, the book looks at ways to redress the information gap between the ever-growing number of aid providers and that of the recipients of their assistance. Kelly and Quentier make the case that when crisis or disaster strikes, communities are not only in need of material assistance – medical assistance, shelter, food and water – but also of information to make independent, informed decisions that ensure their safety and survival.
Endorsing the new publication, IOM’s Director General, William Lacy Swing and HAP Executive Director Marian Casey-Maslen said: “We hope this handbook will serve as a good practice manual and provide guidance to agencies, their staff and other humanitarian stakeholders in the delivery of assistance during emergencies. We also hope that it will make a case for the development of appropriate communications strategies and an accountability mechanism during the design of a humanitarian response, and, ultimately, underscore the continued moral commitment of the United Nations, aid agencies and other assistance providers to best serve affected communities when they most need it.”
For more information contact Brian Kelly, Senior Adviser, IOM at: bkelly@iom.int
Link to publication: http://www.iom.int/files/live/sites/iom/files/Country/docs/Humanitarian-Communications-Pakistan-2014.pdf