On January 25th to 29th, 50 senior representatives from National Red Cross Societies across the Americas met in Panama City for the Continental Directors Meeting for Disaster, Relief and Risk Management. The meeting sought to foster an exchange of experiences, increase collaboration and strengthen networks among National Societies.
Among the key issues taken up by the group was how to strengthen advocacy on IDRL in the region. IDRL Americas Delegate Isabelle Granger was asked to lead the group’s reflection on achievements and gaps in the Red Cross’ work in promoting legal preparedness in recent years. “National Societies in the Americas have a rich tradition of advocacy with their governments on behalf of the most vulnerable and this can be put to good work with the IDRL Guidelines,” she said.
Participants noted in particular the potential importance of the IDRL Guidelines in the recovery operation following the January earthquake in Haiti. Since they were designed with large, complex operations like this one in mind, the Guidelines could be an important tool in avoiding future problems.