The unprecedented increase of natural disasters in Asia Pacific in 2009 and the comprehensive earthquake operations in Haiti have led to an increased interest in legal preparedness related to emergencies. More humanitarian workers are seeking out information about international disaster response law and instruments, in order to better understand the obligations of the various actors and to improve their capacity for humanitarian advocacy.
At a training workshop on “Law and Legal Issues in International Disaster Response” organized by the IFRC in Bangkok from the 1st to the 2nd of April, 30 participants from UN agencies, National Red Cross Societies and NGOs gathered to learn, exchange information and experiences, and discuss the many legal issues and problems that can occur in emergency operations.
After a basic introduction to the overall legal framework for international disaster response, including the IDRL Guidelines and key UN instruments and mechanisms, the participants were briefed on the latest regional developments in Asia, sovereignty and the right to humanitarian assistance, and the legal aspects of military assistance in international disaster relief operations.
Supported by facilitators from IFRC, ICRC, UNOCHA and UNDP, participants were exposed to operational scenarios, representing a variety of legal challenges. Through open discussion and role-plays they were challenged to apply key legal instruments related to relief and recovery operations. The scenarios addressed issues related to the entry of personnel, relief goods and transport, protection of communities, pandemic threats as well as aspects of quality, accountability and liability of international relief.
The feedback from participants was very positive, with many pledging their commitment to initiate integration of legal preparedness into their own national and regional programmes. Several humanitarian organisation representatives expressed their wish to collaborate further with the IFRC and National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in advocating legal preparedness in their countries and regions of work and recommended that additional workshops be organized in the region.