Legal issues concerning international disaster response were among the main topics of discussion in a session on humanitarian assistance. In attendance were more than forty participants from governmental ministries, universities and medical institutions.
Cuba’s role as an assisting country was highlighted, in particular for the outstanding health relief the country provided following the 2010 earthquakes in Haiti and Chile. “It is imperative to facilitate the entrance of doctors and medical equipment after disasters. The IDRL Guidelines provide an extremely useful framework and should be taken into account by governments,” expressed one the doctors who participated in the Haiti operation.
The Cuban Red Cross Society organized a special session on legal preparedness attended by representatives from government institutions, law professors and a union of jurists. “Despite the fact that Cuba has special provisions for customs facilitation in case of emergencies, the IDRL Guidelines constitute a significant tool that could be used in this country in the revision of the legal framework,” said a representative from the Cuban customs authority.
The session provided space for discussion on international response to disasters and served as a forum for exchange of knowledge and lessons learned. Participants recognized the importance of legal preparedness for disaster response and expressed their interest in the Disaster Law Programme’s on-going projects in the Caribbean aimed at strengthening national legislation for the facilitation of international disaster response.