11.2 Role of international organizations in disaster management

The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) is a global organization dedicated to promoting disaster risk reduction strategies and frameworks to enhance resilience against natural and human-made disasters. It plays a crucial role in facilitating international cooperation, guiding technological advancements in disaster management, and collaborating with various stakeholders to implement effective disaster risk reduction policies worldwide.

Sendai Framework: A 15-year, voluntary agreement adopted by UN member states to reduce disaster risk and losses, focusing on understanding risk, strengthening resilience, and enhancing disaster preparedness.

Resilience: The ability of individuals, communities, and systems to anticipate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from adverse events, thereby reducing vulnerability to future disasters.

Disaster Risk Management (DRM): A systematic approach that integrates risk reduction, preparedness, response, recovery, and rehabilitation efforts to minimize the impacts of disasters on people and communities.

Disaster risk reduction (DRR) refers to the systematic approach to identifying, assessing, and reducing the risks of disaster, which encompasses both natural and human-made hazards. It involves measures taken before, during, and after disasters to minimize their impacts on communities and economies. This proactive approach is essential for building resilience and ensuring sustainable development, linking closely to historical disaster patterns, humanitarian efforts, recovery strategies, complex disaster scenarios, international collaboration, and the integration of public and private sectors.

Resilience: The ability of a community or system to withstand and recover from adverse events while maintaining its essential functions.

Preparedness: The actions taken before a disaster occurs to ensure an effective response and minimize the potential impact on lives and property.

Mitigation: Strategies and measures aimed at reducing the severity or impact of disasters, including infrastructure improvements and policy changes.

The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction is a global agreement adopted in 2015 that aims to significantly reduce disaster risk and losses through comprehensive strategies over the next 15 years. It emphasizes the importance of understanding disaster risk, strengthening resilience, and promoting a culture of safety, with a focus on local action and international cooperation.

Disaster Risk Management: A systematic approach to identifying, assessing, and reducing the risks of disaster, which includes preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation efforts.

Resilience: The ability of individuals, communities, and systems to withstand and recover from adverse events such as disasters, emphasizing adaptive capacity and preparedness.

UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR): A United Nations agency responsible for promoting the implementation of the Sendai Framework and supporting countries in developing disaster risk reduction strategies.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Established in 1948, its primary goal is to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve vulnerable populations, particularly during crises such as natural disasters and epidemics. WHO plays a critical role in coordinating international responses to health emergencies, providing guidelines, and setting standards for health practices globally.

Global Health: The health of populations in a global context, addressing health issues that transcend national boundaries and require international cooperation.

Health Emergency: A significant threat to health that requires immediate response actions to prevent loss of life and mitigate impacts, often triggered by disasters or disease outbreaks.

Public Health: The science of protecting and improving the health of people and their communities through education, promotion of healthy lifestyles, and disease prevention.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a global development network that works to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities through sustainable development. It provides expert advice, training, and grants to support developing countries in their efforts to improve lives, particularly in areas impacted by disasters, thereby promoting resilience and recovery.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): A set of 17 global goals established by the United Nations in 2015 aimed at addressing various global challenges, including poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, and peace and justice.

Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR): Strategies and practices aimed at minimizing the impacts of disasters by analyzing risk factors and implementing measures to mitigate potential damage before a disaster occurs.

Humanitarian Assistance: Support provided to individuals and communities affected by crises, including natural disasters and armed conflicts, to alleviate suffering and promote recovery.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is a global humanitarian organization that coordinates disaster response, promotes disaster risk reduction, and provides health services in times of emergencies. The IFRC works with national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies to build resilience in communities, advocate for vulnerable populations, and ensure ethical standards in humanitarian action.

Humanitarian Aid: Assistance provided to people in need during crises, focusing on saving lives and alleviating suffering.

Disaster Risk Reduction: Strategies aimed at minimizing the impact of disasters through preparedness, prevention, and mitigation.

National Societies: The individual organizations affiliated with the IFRC in different countries that implement humanitarian actions locally.

The World Bank is an international financial institution that provides loans and grants to the governments of low and middle-income countries for the purpose of pursuing capital projects. It aims to reduce poverty and support development by providing financial and technical assistance, helping countries improve their infrastructure, healthcare, education, and disaster management systems.

International Monetary Fund (IMF): An international organization that aims to promote global economic stability and growth by providing financial support and policy advice to member countries facing economic difficulties.

Development Aid: Financial or technical assistance provided by one country or organization to another, aimed at promoting economic development and improving living conditions.

Disaster Recovery: The process of restoring a community, economy, and environment after a disaster has occurred, often involving planning, funding, and implementation of recovery strategies.

The global facility for disaster reduction and recovery is a financial and technical mechanism aimed at enhancing the resilience of countries to disasters and reducing their vulnerability to future risks. This facility supports countries in planning, preparing for, and recovering from natural disasters by providing funding, resources, and expertise. It plays a critical role in fostering international cooperation and partnerships to address the multifaceted challenges posed by disasters.

Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR): Strategies and measures aimed at minimizing the impacts of disasters by reducing risk factors and enhancing preparedness.

Resilience: The ability of individuals, communities, and systems to adapt, recover, and thrive despite facing adverse conditions or disasters.

International Disaster Response: Coordinated efforts by governments, NGOs, and international organizations to provide assistance and support during and after a disaster.

Capacity building refers to the process of developing and strengthening the skills, abilities, and resources of individuals, organizations, and communities to enhance their effectiveness in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. This concept emphasizes the importance of equipping stakeholders with the necessary tools and knowledge to better manage risks and respond to disasters. It is crucial for fostering resilience and sustainability, ensuring that all levels of society can effectively mitigate the impacts of disasters.

resilience: The ability of individuals, communities, and systems to withstand and recover from adverse events or disasters.

disaster risk reduction (DRR): Strategies aimed at minimizing the risk of disaster impacts by addressing underlying vulnerabilities and enhancing preparedness.

stakeholders: Individuals or organizations with an interest in a particular issue or project, including governments, NGOs, community members, and international agencies involved in disaster management.

Early warning systems are organized methods that detect potential disasters and provide timely alerts to help communities prepare and respond effectively. These systems integrate data collection, monitoring technologies, and communication networks to anticipate hazards such as earthquakes, floods, and extreme weather conditions, ultimately aiming to reduce the impact of these events on human lives and infrastructure.

Seismic Monitoring: The use of instruments to detect and record the vibrations of the Earth, providing critical data for predicting earthquakes.

Flood Forecasting: The process of predicting flood events based on meteorological data and hydrological models, allowing for proactive measures to minimize damage.

Disaster Communication: The methods and strategies employed to share vital information before, during, and after a disaster to ensure effective response and recovery efforts.

Hazard mapping is the process of identifying, analyzing, and visualizing potential natural hazards and their impacts on specific areas. This tool is essential for understanding where risks are highest and helps in planning for disasters, promoting safety, and implementing effective mitigation strategies.

Risk Assessment: The systematic process of evaluating potential risks that may be involved in a projected activity or undertaking, often used in conjunction with hazard mapping to prioritize areas for intervention.

Vulnerability Analysis: The study of the susceptibility of a community or area to harm from hazards, which is often informed by hazard mapping to better understand risk exposure.

Zonation: The practice of dividing land into zones based on varying levels of risk from natural hazards, allowing for targeted disaster management strategies.

Psychosocial support refers to the emotional and psychological assistance provided to individuals and communities affected by crises, such as natural disasters or conflicts. This support aims to address the mental health needs of those impacted, fostering resilience and coping mechanisms while helping them regain a sense of normalcy. It encompasses a range of services, including counseling, social support, and community-building initiatives, particularly for vulnerable populations and during disaster recovery processes.

Mental Health: A state of well-being in which individuals realize their own potential, can cope with normal stresses of life, work productively, and contribute to their communities.

Trauma-Informed Care: An approach that recognizes the prevalence of trauma in individuals and seeks to create a supportive environment that acknowledges its impact on mental health and behavior.

Community Resilience: The ability of a community to withstand, adapt to, and recover from adverse situations or disasters through collective action and support.

Cash-for-work programs are initiatives that provide temporary employment to individuals in exchange for cash payments, typically implemented in the aftermath of disasters or during economic crises. These programs aim to support recovery efforts by helping communities rebuild infrastructure while providing much-needed income to vulnerable populations. By combining job creation with community development, cash-for-work programs play a crucial role in enhancing resilience and reducing dependency on aid.

Disaster Recovery: The process of restoring and rebuilding communities after a disaster, focusing on both immediate relief efforts and long-term recovery strategies.

Livelihood Support: Programs designed to help individuals and families restore or improve their means of living, particularly after experiencing disruptions due to disasters.

International Organizations: Entities formed by multiple countries to address global issues, often playing a significant role in disaster management and humanitarian assistance.

Microfinance refers to a financial service that provides small loans and other financial products to individuals or small businesses who lack access to traditional banking services. This approach is especially important in empowering women and vulnerable populations, as it enables them to invest in their livelihoods, build assets, and improve their socio-economic conditions. Microfinance not only serves to alleviate poverty but also contributes to community resilience in the face of disasters by fostering economic independence.

microcredit: A component of microfinance that specifically refers to small loans given to individuals or entrepreneurs to start or expand a business.

social entrepreneurship: The practice of identifying and solving social problems through innovative business models that prioritize social impact alongside financial returns.

financial inclusion: The process of ensuring access to useful and affordable financial products and services for all individuals, particularly those who are underserved by traditional banking.

The United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) is a global emergency response mechanism established to support countries affected by natural and human-induced disasters. It provides rapid assessment and coordination of international relief efforts to ensure effective and timely assistance is delivered to affected populations. The UNDAC teams are made up of experts who work closely with national authorities and local responders to facilitate a smooth response process.

Disaster Risk Reduction: Strategies and practices aimed at minimizing the damage caused by natural hazards through proactive measures, planning, and community engagement.

Humanitarian Assistance: Support provided to meet the basic needs of people affected by disasters, including food, shelter, healthcare, and protection.

Emergency Operations Center (EOC): A central command and control facility responsible for coordinating the overall response during an emergency or disaster situation.

The Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) is a unique forum for the coordination of humanitarian assistance, comprised of key United Nations and non-UN humanitarian partners. Established to enhance the effectiveness of humanitarian response, the IASC plays a critical role in ensuring that agencies work together to address the needs of affected populations during crises, such as natural disasters and conflicts. Its collaborative nature helps streamline efforts and avoid duplication in aid delivery.

Humanitarian Response Plan: A coordinated plan developed by humanitarian organizations to address the needs of populations affected by crises, outlining priorities, strategies, and required resources.

Cluster Approach: A method of organizing humanitarian response into sectors (clusters), ensuring that all relevant agencies coordinate their activities to cover specific areas such as health, shelter, or education.

Emergency Operations Center (EOC): A centralized location from which an organization coordinates its response to emergencies, ensuring effective communication and decision-making among various agencies.

Humanitarian assistance refers to the aid and support provided to individuals and communities affected by crises, such as natural disasters, armed conflicts, or other emergencies. This assistance aims to alleviate suffering, maintain human dignity, and ensure the basic needs of those impacted are met, including food, shelter, medical care, and sanitation. It is a crucial component in disaster management that often involves collaboration between various international organizations, governments, NGOs, and local communities.

Disaster Relief: The immediate response and support provided to victims of disasters to help them recover and rebuild their lives.

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): Organizations that operate independently from the government and often provide humanitarian aid and support during crises.

Emergency Response: The coordinated efforts to address the immediate needs arising from a crisis or disaster situation.

Emergency response refers to the organized approach and actions taken by various agencies and organizations to address and manage the immediate aftermath of a disaster or crisis. This process includes the assessment of needs, coordination of resources, and delivery of aid to affected populations, with the aim of minimizing harm and ensuring public safety. It is essential for effectively managing transportation accidents, facilitating post-disaster recovery and reconstruction, and enhancing international collaboration in disaster management.

First Responder: Individuals or teams who are among the first to arrive at a disaster scene, including police, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel.

Disaster Management: A comprehensive approach that includes preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation measures to effectively handle disasters.

Incident Command System (ICS): A standardized approach to incident management that allows various organizations to work together effectively during emergency situations.

The cluster approach is a coordinated method used in humanitarian response and disaster risk reduction that brings together various organizations, sectors, and stakeholders to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of aid efforts. This approach fosters collaboration among different groups, ensuring that resources and expertise are optimally utilized to address the diverse needs of affected populations. It emphasizes the importance of partnership and shared responsibilities in achieving comprehensive disaster management.

Humanitarian coordination: The systematic organization of actors and resources in humanitarian responses to ensure coherent and effective assistance to affected populations.

Disaster risk reduction (DRR): Strategies and measures aimed at minimizing the impact of disasters through preparedness, prevention, and mitigation efforts.

Multi-sectoral approach: A strategy that integrates multiple sectors or disciplines to address complex challenges in humanitarian and development contexts.

National disaster management agencies are government organizations established to coordinate and implement policies, plans, and activities aimed at preparing for, responding to, recovering from, and mitigating the impacts of disasters within a country. These agencies play a crucial role in ensuring effective disaster risk reduction and management by collaborating with various stakeholders, including local governments, NGOs, and international organizations, to enhance resilience and capacity building in communities.

Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR): Strategies and practices aimed at minimizing the risks and impacts of disasters through proactive measures and preparedness.

Emergency Management: The coordinated effort to plan for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate the effects of disasters and emergencies.

Humanitarian Assistance: Aid provided to people in need during emergencies and disasters to alleviate suffering and support recovery efforts.

Joint needs assessments are collaborative evaluations conducted by multiple organizations to identify and prioritize the needs of affected populations in the aftermath of disasters. These assessments aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the situation on the ground, facilitating coordinated responses by various stakeholders, including international organizations, local governments, and NGOs.

Disaster Response Framework: A structured approach used by organizations to guide their actions and coordination in response to a disaster, ensuring that all aspects of recovery are considered.

Capacity Building: The process of developing and strengthening the skills, abilities, resources, and processes that organizations and communities need to survive, adapt, and thrive in the face of disasters.

Humanitarian Coordination: The collaborative efforts among various humanitarian actors to ensure effective delivery of aid and services in response to disasters, maximizing resources and reducing duplication of efforts.

ReliefWeb is an online platform created by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) that provides timely information on humanitarian crises and disasters around the world. It serves as a critical resource for humanitarian organizations, governments, and the public by offering real-time data, reports, and analysis to support effective disaster response and recovery efforts.

Humanitarian Assistance: The material and logistical support provided to people affected by disasters or crises to alleviate suffering and restore dignity.

Disaster Risk Reduction: A systematic approach to identifying, assessing, and reducing the risks of disaster, focusing on minimizing vulnerabilities and enhancing resilience.

Coordination Mechanisms: Processes and structures established among various stakeholders to facilitate collaboration, communication, and efficient response during humanitarian emergencies.