IDRL workshop in Lima explores key legal issues

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IDRL in Peru
On October 19th, the IFRC, Peruvian Red Cross and Peruvian government convened the first workshop of the working group for the Peru IDRL technical assistance project in Lima.

The working group includes 56 representatives from nearly all sectors of Peruvian public administration, as well as from civil society organizations.

Participants examined potential future disaster scenarios likely to bring a need for international assistance, acknowledging that “Peru is a country permanent at risk of disasters.” They explored some of the problems that might arise with regard to customs, taxes, and sanitary regulations. They also examined legal issues that might arise for goods originating from or transiting through Peru to one of its neighbors, should they experience a disaster.

Recommendations from the group included the creation of a special visa for humanitarian workers, the development of procedures for information sharing and coordination in the request for international assistance, and the agreement of more specific rules about the entry of humanitarian goods.

The findings and recommendations from the workshop will be incorporated into the first draft of the IDRL project study, which will be discussed at a follow-up workshop in December.