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The IFRC’s International Disaster Response Law Programme in the Pacific. Finau Heuifanga Limuloa Humanitarian Diplomacy Delegate. Why legal preparedness for international disaster response? (IDRL). More frequent and larger natural disasters More and different international responders
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The IFRC’s International Disaster Response Law Programme in the Pacific Finau Heuifanga Limuloa Humanitarian Diplomacy Delegate
Why legal preparedness for international disaster response? (IDRL) • More frequent and larger natural disasters • More and different international responders • Absence of procedure to regulate the increasingly complex context
Research shows that the lack of legal preparedness hampers int’l relief Research • 27 legal casestudies • Globalsurvey • Regional forums Findings • Unnecessary delays and costs • Unnecessary relief items, poor coordination, lack of respect
Guidelines on laws, rules, polices • Adopted by consensus by the state parties to the Geneva Conventions in 2007 • Compile existing international norms and best practice • Recommendations to governments on how to prepare domestic laws and procedures for international assistance
What is an IDRL study? • A “gap-filler” • A comprehensive review of relevant legislation and arrangements against the IDRL Guidelines • Involves all relevant agencies • Recommendations reviewed by stakeholders • 9-month process • Final recommendations presented to Government
IDRL Pacific Strategy 2012 • Target Governments • Pacific Islands Forum • Since February RCRC movement has been lobbying Pacific Governments • Champion • NS lobbying • IFRC lobbying • Desired outcome from the Pacific Islands Forum(?) • and
43rd Pacific Islands Forum Communiqué, August 2012, Paragraph 73: “Leaders encouraged Forum Members to consider the International Disaster Response Law Guidelines developed by the International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC) and to take appropriate measures to strengthen their national policy, and institutional and legal frameworks in collaboration with their National Red Cross Societies, IFRC, the United Nations and other relevant partners.”
What does this mean moving forward? • New partnership with Pacific Islands Forum • MOU • Upcoming workshop co-hosted by PIFS • Work with governments to roadmap future projects in region • Expanded mandate – second phase regarding implementation – Cook Islands
Collaborations with International Partners New tools: Model Act on International Disaster Assistance • Project partners – IFRC, OCHA, IPU • Provides a tool for states to develop national legislation Increased awareness: WCO Regional Seminars • Project partners – IFRC, OCHA, WCO • Awareness raising, implementation of international instruments
Ongoing work… • Continue to support National Societies and states in the field of disaster laws generally, including in the three areas discussed • Provide technical assistance and training • Develop tools, models and guidelines • Continue its advocacy and research • Strengthen partnerships with relevant stakeholders in the region and further abroad