Interview with Doan Van Thai, Vietnam Red Cross Secretary General
1. Vietnam's National Assembly recently adopted a ground-breaking new Law on Natural Disaster Preparedness and Prevention, which has placed Vietnam at the forefront of legal preparedness for disaster management and response in the Mekong region. How will this new law improve disaster risk reduction (DRR) in Vietnam?
Vietnam is a country which is seriously affected by many types of disasters. Adoption of the new law on disaster preparedness and response by the National Assembly in 2013 is a significant step for Vietnam to prepare our people to reduce the risks and impacts of disasters, especially in the context of climate change. The law clearly identifies the rights and obligations of both citizens and organizations in disaster preparedness and response. It also outlines the roles and responsibilities of the government and its various components. In terms of DRR, the new law encourages the participation of citizens, civil society, community leaders and the private sector in DRR/CBDRM policy making processes at all levels. Based on the new law, the Vietnam Government will also focus on capacity building of communities and all related organizations in disaster preparedness and response, and DRR will be integrated into policies and plans at all levels.
2. How do you think the new law will improve the facilitation and regulation of international disaster assistance in the case of a large scale disaster in Vietnam?
The law contains a whole chapter on International disaster assistance, and through that, the Government and its components will always welcome international assistance as long as it is provided in line with humanitarian objectives. The law clearly identifies responsibilities of governmental agencies in the management of incoming international assistances and also identifies the responsibility of Vietnam to support other disaster-affected countries. In line with the provisions on international assistance contained in the law, as well as the Law on Red Cross activities and other related documents, all international disaster assistance will be received with favorable conditions, in accordance with key principles of the IDRL Guidelines. This will help to improve the speed and efficiency with which international assistance is provided.
3. How did the Vietnam Red Cross influence the drafting and adoption of the law, and did this help to highlight the auxiliary role of your National Society?
In the process of drafting the new law, Vietnam Red Cross had the opportunity to discuss with key policy and law makers. The Vietnam Red Cross is a member of the Central Committee on Flood and Storm Control and the role of Red Cross is also clearly identified in the Law on Red Cross activities, so for every related law or policy, the Government usually requests comments from Red Cross. Vietnam Red Cross, with the support of the IFRC Country Delegation and Asia Pacific Zone office, took part in some workshops and provided valuable comments on international assistance and IDRL, and the role of Red Cross in disaster management and response. Together, Vietnam Red Cross and IFRC formally presented our feedback to key members of the National Assembly during a National Assembly session.
Regarding our role as auxiliary to national authorities, the law identifies the Vietnam Red Cross as an important actor in disaster preparedness, response and recovery. This role is also clearly identified in the Law on Red Cross activities and other related government documents. Having our role acknowledged and identified in the law allows us to undertake many important activities in disaster preparedness and response, including different information, education and communication activities at the community level. This helps to raise awareness about disaster preparedness and response. It also enables us to set up disaster response teams at central, provincial and community levels and to obtain the necessary funding and goods to support disaster affected persons within 12 to 18 hours after a disaster strikes.
4. Vietnam is now considered a ‘leader’ in South East Asia in terms of having a comprehensive DM law which addresses both DRR and IDRL. Why do you think it is important for countries like Vietnam to have these laws in place, and what can others in the Mekong region and beyond learn from Vietnam’s experience with developing the new law?
Disasters are becoming more frequent and more unpredictable – they can happen anywhere, and at any time. So to have such a law in place is necessary for every country. In the Mekong region, we are always learning from each other because our countries have similar weather conditions and a disaster that occurs in one country often affects those countries surrounding it as well. Sometimes disasters will affect all the countries in the region at the same time. We want to share with our neighbours how we have built the capacity of communities and how to identify clear responsibilities of the Government, its agencies, local authorities and civil society.
5. What are the next steps for implementing the new law, and what will be the role of Vietnam Red Cross in this process? Do you anticipate any challenges?
The first step is to organize information, education and communication (IEC) activities to help socialize the new law so that people and organizations understand their rights, obligations and responsibilities identified in the disaster management law. The Government now needs develop different decrees to implement and further detail the articles contained in the law, to set up institutional structures, and to arrange financial resources for the implementation process. Vietnam Red Cross will take part in almost all of these activities, especially IEC activities, capacity building, fund raising, and development of the implementing decrees.