The study focuses on Vanuatu, one of the Pacific’s most vulnerable countries, in particular to earthquakes, volcanic activity and cyclones. The study was undertaken by the Vanuatu Red Cross Society and the IFRC in support of the Vanuatu National Disaster Management Office (NDMO).
The study notes that existing national disaster response plans address some aspects of requesting international assistance. However, it also detected a number of gaps, and recommends a number of amendments to the customs, quarantine, and immigration laws and/or plans as well as the national disaster risk management act and plans.
At the launch of the study’s report, that took place at the joint Emergency Operation Centre in Port Vila on the 24th of August, the recently appointed NDMO director, Mr. Shadrak Welegtabit, expressed his gratitude for the work done and highlighted that it would be immediately put to use as the NDMO examines changes to the Disaster Management Act. He also noted his aim for the amendments to address areas of disaster risk reduction and climate change.
Acknowledging that legal change can be time consuming, civil society partners attending the launch highlighted the importance of also identifying quicker ways to improve the way international support is sought and facilitated. The NDMO director noted the preparedness work for the upcoming cyclone season could be more inclusive and consultative and that his office would ensure a systematic and strategic communication plan on this.
For her part, Vanuatu Red Cross Society CEO, Mrs de Gaillande, highlighted that preparedness for response is everyone´s business. “It is not the sole role of the NDMO, the Red Cross, NGOs and others that we normally see in action during response times. Preparedness for response is the role of each and every sector.”
She also noted the availability of further support to the Vanuatu Government: ‘In our auxiliary role to the government, we the VRCS, welcome continued involvement. We do not have the expertise within the VRCS, but as you know we are a part of the bigger International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. There we have a team specifically working in the area of increased legal preparedness for foreign disaster response. As the government works towards a revised Disaster Management Act, and the different departments and agencies review their processes, we would welcome to be called upon to support as we can.’
Click here to read the full study.