www.ifrc.orgSaving lives, changing minds.
Disaster Laws
Disaster Laws
The IFRC’s International Disaster Response Law Programme in the Pacific
Finau Heuifanga LimuloaHumanitarian Diplomacy Delegate
www.ifrc.orgSaving lives, changing minds.
Disaster Laws
Why legal preparedness for international disaster response? (IDRL)
More frequent and larger natural disasters
More and different international responders
Absence of procedure to regulate the increasingly complex context
www.ifrc.orgSaving lives, changing minds.
Disaster Laws
Research shows that the lack of legal preparedness hampers int’l relief
Research 27 legal case studies Global survey Regional forums
Findings Unnecessary delays and costs Unnecessary relief items, poor
coordination, lack of respect
www.ifrc.orgSaving lives, changing minds.
Disaster Laws
Guidelines on laws, rules, polices
Adopted by consensus by the state parties to the Geneva Conventions in 2007
Compile existing international norms and best practice
Recommendations to governments on how to prepare domestic laws and procedures for international assistance
www.ifrc.orgSaving lives, changing minds.
Disaster Laws
What is an IDRL study?
A “gap-filler” A comprehensive review of
relevant legislation and arrangements against the IDRL Guidelines
Involves all relevant agencies Recommendations reviewed by
stakeholders 9-month process Final recommendations
presented to Government
www.ifrc.orgSaving lives, changing minds.
Disaster Laws
Vanuatu IDRL Study – January 2011
www.ifrc.orgSaving lives, changing minds.
Disaster Laws
Cook Islands IDRL Study – August 2012
www.ifrc.orgSaving lives, changing minds.
Disaster Laws
IDRL Pacific Strategy 2012
Target GovernmentsPacific Islands Forum
Since February RCRC movement has been lobbying Pacific Governments
Champion NS lobbyingIFRC lobbying
Desired outcome from the Pacific Islands Forum(?)
and
www.ifrc.orgSaving lives, changing minds.
Disaster Laws
43rd Pacific Islands Forum Communiqué, August 2012, Paragraph 73:
“Leaders encouraged Forum Members to consider the
International Disaster Response Law Guidelines
developed by the International Federation of the Red
Cross (IFRC) and to take appropriate measures to
strengthen their national policy, and institutional and legal
frameworks in collaboration with their National Red Cross
Societies, IFRC, the United Nations and other relevant
partners.”
www.ifrc.orgSaving lives, changing minds.
Disaster Laws
What does this mean moving forward?
New partnership with Pacific Islands Forum
MOUUpcoming workshop co-hosted by PIFSWork with governments to roadmap future projects in
region
Expanded mandate – second phase regarding implementation – Cook Islands
www.ifrc.orgSaving lives, changing minds.
Disaster Laws
Collaborations with International Partners
New tools: Model Act on International Disaster Assistance
Project partners – IFRC, OCHA, IPU Provides a tool for states to develop national
legislation
Increased awareness: WCO Regional
Seminars Project partners – IFRC, OCHA, WCO Awareness raising, implementation of
international instruments
IFRCOCHAIPU
www.ifrc.orgSaving lives, changing minds.
Disaster Laws
Ongoing work…
Continue to support National Societies and states in the field of disaster laws generally, including in the three areas discussed
Provide technical assistance and training Develop tools, models and guidelines Continue its advocacy and research Strengthen partnerships with relevant
stakeholders in the region and further abroad
