The workshop was attended by 58 representatives from the Colombian System for Disaster Attention and Prevention (Sistema Nacional de Prevención y Atención de Desastres - SNPAD), as well as representatives from the United Nations. In preparation for the workshop, two preliminary sessions were held earlier in January to familiarize the participants with the content of the upcoming discussions.
The workshop provided an opportunity for participants to analyse the most important legal issues arising in the delivery of international aid by states and humanitarian organizations during the relief and early recovery phases of disaster situations. Such issues are especially important for disaster-prone countries like Colombia to examine, in order to better prepare for disasters before they occur.
Important recommendations were developed during the workshop, such as allowing for the importation of vehicles donated for emergencies (such as 4x4 trucks, ambulances, etc.), and establishing processes and procedures for effective intersectoral coordination in the event of a public health disaster.
The workshop findings will be included in the IDRL Project Report, the initial version of which will be presented for consideration by the workshop participants and other stakeholders in early April 2011.