During the seminar participants, drawing from their recent experience following the earthquake that struck Chile in February 2010, highlighted the importance of having good legal frameworks to facilitate and regulate international assistance.
As described by Ms. Lorenza Donoso Oyarce, President of the Chilean Red Cross, "after the earthquake, our government had to face not only the consequences of the disaster but also the torrent of aid that arrived in the country."
After the 2010 earthquake, the country's understanding of the importance of disaster preparedness was renewed. The capacities of the National Office for Emergencies (ONEMI) were "overwhelmed by the magnitude of the event and therefore was not able to respond adequately,” said Nelson Salgado, ONEMI Chief of Staff, outside “humanitarian assistance represented a fundamental support to the system."
The lessons learned from the earthquake present an opportunity to integrate global and regional initiatives on coordination, regulation and facilitation of international disaster relief and early recovery. Gary Hantl, UN Resident Coordinator, pointed out the importance of knowing and taking into consideration international standards for humanitarian assistance when drafting mutual assistance manuals. The IDRL Guidelines are another important tool for states in this respect.
Chile's Congress is currently debating a new law to create a national emergency and civil protection system as well as a national civil protection agency. In this context, both the Chilean Red Cross and the IFRC offered their technical assistance.
To read the article on this event by the Chilean Red Cross (in Spanish), click here.