Community Resilience

2015-07-01T21:46:00.004-07:00

This morning I received an email from UNISDR on the official publication of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. You can access it here.

So, today I am thinking again about the root causes of vulnerability, and whether the new Sendai Framework helps address these root causes.

One of the early models that most DRR professionals are familiar with, is the "Pressure and Release" (PAR) model, developed by Blaikie et al in 1994 and published in the seminal book "At Risk" by Ian Davis, Ben Wisner, Terry Cannon and Piers Blaikie. Here is the PAR model in a basic form:

And here is a nice, basic diagram of how this model was applied to analyze the progression of vulnerability to industrial hazards in Bathinda district in Punjab:

(Image courtesy http://www.irjcjournals.org/ijmssr/May2014/5.pdf, accessed 1 July, 2015)

Finally, I particularly like the example from the "At Risk" book on the Sudan famine, as it demonstrates one of the salient features of PAR model which is facilitating a deeper look into the political economy in order to trace root causes of vulnerability:

What do you think? Does the Sendai Framework advance our thinking and ability to address root causes of vulnerability? Will a result of this be tangible resilience for people at risk, communities and nations?

Final day #6AMCDRR - Release of the Bangkok Declaration

2014-06-25T19:37:00.003-07:00

We are here in the great Convention Hall A of the Bangkok Convention Center, awaiting the SRSG and announcement of the successful 10-hour grueling drafting process yesterday of the Bangkok Declaration.

It has been an extraordinary week... in my opinion perhaps the most momentous platform since the first one in 2007.

I just received a copy of the declaration...everyone has taken their places, and we are beginning...

Download it here

This document has undergone intensive consultations over the past two years...including by IGOs, NGOs, and many stakeholder groups...highlights here:

development and implementation of strategies for integration of climate change, sustainable development and DRR - towards building resilience of communities and nations - focusing on the local level
prevent and reduce risk
partner with private sector
ensure social inclusion
strengthen measures for achieving resilience to disasters
strengthen role of women
promote use of science and technology
enhance risk, governance and accountability

Stakeholder Voluntary Commitments

Civil Society voluntary commitments read by Many Gupta...highlighting a people-centered approach
Disability Organizations securing a solid place in #DRR policy and decision making, and at the Sendai table
IFRC hilghlights - continues support to inclusive DRR and building community resilience, assisting corporate partners, linking CSR initiatives with IFRC national societies
Women's organizations, represented by Vishaka - we urge improvement in women's participation - minimum target of 30% in next high level discussions. Awareness raising amongst officials, piloting sex disaggregated data highlights.
Mayors and local governments - President of the Local Association of Punjab - Highlights-technical guidelines for local governments, focusing on risk assessment, planning and implementation, promoting 'My City and Town are Getting Ready' with "YOU ARE NOT ALONE" slogan
Media voluntary commitments - bridge gaps in communications which many stakeholders face... we serve wide audiences, including women, children and persons with disabilities.. we will proactively report before, during and after disasters.. Ensure radio and TV organizations are integrated into early warning and national and community levels... Engage media into national DRR activities so we can inform the public on risk prevention. Enhance journalist capacities... on the same..
Children and youth - we represent 40% of Asian population - reading 5 concrete and concise commitments - and whose 'tenacious, dedicated advocacy' is 'admirable'
Parliamentarians - Senator Rodriguez reads powerful highlights focusing on legislation, governance, manaagement of urbanization - need for new risk management appraoch that supports Post2015 agenda making DRM imperative to sustainable development

Women represent half the population, we are not just a 'vulnerable group'... Vishaka Hidellage

Bangkok Declaration being read...and subsequently adopted. Floor was open to two final comments by participants. The first, a representative of the farmers of Bangladesh, noted the game-changing role of SRSG Margareta Wahlström in the building of a world-wide movement to build resilience...calling us to "Let us be a good human, while we are a DRR practitioner, supporting mother Earth to live longer..." Jonathan Schott, of a small Thai NGO Sustainable Development Foundation, expressed concern over a lack of civil society consultation before adoption of the Bangkok Declaration.

The plenary closed with award ceremonies, final words from the Thai Permanent Secretary, Ms. Wahlström, and a remarkable performance of modern dance and music.

Road to Sendai: 6th Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction

2014-06-22T12:24:00.002-07:00

สวัสดีค่ะ sa-wat-dii, khâ - A warm hello from Bangkok! I am here all week with some ~~2,500~~ 5,000 delegates from more than 39 countries in Asia-Pacific who will be tasked to “shape future efforts to build more resilient communities and nations".

The outcome of this meeting will have long-term significance for the world at large as recommendations will feed into a new global agreement on disaster risk reduction (DRR), which will replace the current Hyogo Framework for Action, adopted in 2005 by all UN member-states following the Indian Ocean tsunami.

"When Asia speaks on disaster risk management, the rest of the world listens. The region suffers more than 80 percent of the world’s disaster events", said Margareta Wahlstrom, UNISDR head and the UN Special Representative of the Secretary General on DRR. “Nine of the world’s 10 most significant natural disasters by fatalities last year occurred in the Philippines, India, Pakistan, Japan and China. Some 14,500 lives were lost in tropical cyclones, floods, heat waves and earthquakes."

The meeting is the last of the series of regional platforms in the lead-up to the World Conference next March in Sendai, Japan. Second. It is one of the last multi-stakeholder meetings prior to the World Conference, (#WCDRR or 3WCDRR). As such, it's a key opportunity to feed into the drafting process of the second Hyogo Framework for Action (#HFA2).

There is an intense process going on of multiple streams of inputs into the Post-2015 process... and one of these inputs is the HFA2. The second will be a climate change agreement, and the third - the Millenium Development Goals. For more on where we are, I find this diagram really helpful:

Post-2015 process at a glance (Source: www.beyond2015.org)

I will be blogging live this week, and will post a number of interviews to give a flavour of the meeting and provide a glimpse of the happenings of the week. I am also conscious that there are a number of people who perhaps are not able to be in Bangkok but would like to, so please feel free to post, tweet or email questions and I will do my best to respond. So in this way I hope that my presence here would serve to help make the process in the road to Sendai just a bit more inclusive.

ขอขอบคุณคุณ - thanks...looking forward to sharing the week with you!

Envisioning our Future - Risk or Resilience?

2014-05-31T11:45:00.000-07:00

A Perfectly Good Evening..the view from Bali, May 31, 2014

A gorgeous view: grand expanse of a sunset arching over the infamous surf... rich conversation on how our future child focussed DRR model will be...defining the boundaries of the conversation...day 1 of our national DRR consultation starts very well.

This serene scene is punctuated by the news of 'a sustained, rather significant eruption of Sangean Api' in the south, 'sending large volumes of volcanic ash into the air', grounding scores of flights... and looming over tomorrow's field research site -Sumba. So, our tomorrow now looks more like this...quite a different picture than when we started some hours ago. (Image thanks-Dr. Roy Spencer)

Off we go hunting face masks which I hope will be adequate for my friend who has asthma. This is the way of the future! The future is now! In my day, disasters become the norm, not the anomale. And how do we cope? Are we risk and resilience minded? Is this thinking intrinsic in our daily lives, and way of doing business? Or do they take us by surprise, stealing from a perfectly good evening with friends at the beach, darkening a perfect sunset with elegant yet potentially deadly ash plumes? Or much worse, erasing years of memory, hopes, dreams of a bright future. These are our questions. These are our children's questions. Over the next week , we will listen closely to voices of ChildFund staff, partners and children and youth of Boyalali, Yog Yakarta, Sumba and Jakarta...and we will share our learning journey with you.

'The Survival and Wellbeing of a Generation of Innocents' in Syria

2013-08-22T23:22:00.001-07:00

Today was a major milestone - the one million mark. One million children refugees today, August 22, 2013. "A shameful milestone", reports UNICEF.

This 1 millionth child refugee is not just another number," said Anthony Lake, executive director of Unicef, the UN agency for children. "This is a real child ripped from home, maybe even from a family, facing horrors we can only begin to comprehend. He added: "We must all share the shame, because while we work to alleviate the suffering of those affected by this crisis, the global community has failed in its responsibility to this child. We should stop and ask ourselves how, in all conscience, we can continue to fail the children of Syria. - Anthony Lake, UNICEF

The largest refugee crisis in 20 years prompted the UN to launch their largest appeal in history - a $5 billion emergency appeal. With half of all fleeing refugees children, and 75% of these under 11 years of age, the needs are staggering. More than 100,000 killed in the conflict, at least 7,000 of these children. Less than 20% of these children have received any kind of psycho-social support, and the Syrian regional response appeal is less than 40% funded - $1.9 billion short. 40,000 refugees have crossed the border this week alone. As Antonio Guterres said:

The youth of Syria are losing their homes, their family members and their futures...Even after they have cross the border to safety, they are traumatized, depressed and in need of hope.

The Guardian's Mark Tran sheds light on the impacts of this crisis on children while Peter Beaumont discusses some of the latest thinking behind the international community's paralysis. What is behind this?

Today's horrific tragedy at Ghouta, what appears to be the use of chemical weapons - nerve gas - by government forces, causing the excruciating death of what has been reported by Al Arabiyat as over 1,300 civilians - many of the victims children. The Syrian Army denies the claims. These grim facts reveal again children's real, raw vulnerability to disasters... as well as their resilience; and how little is being done to address this.

To drive this point home, no one can do it better than a child. Thanks to the Guardian and Bathoulahmed, a citizen journalist, for sharing precious Bilal's story with us. (Photo and story courtesy Bathoulahmed and the Guardianwitness which is calling for Syrian citizen journalists through September 1st.) May Bilal inspire you to do your part to support Syria's children.

Bilal, is 11 an 11 year old Syrian refugee from Qusayr. A few months ago, as he sat in a local the barber shop near his home, an explosion tore through his neighborhood shattering the glass of the shop. Flying glass hit Bilal straight in the eye, instantly blinding him in one eye. Since then, Bilal has been wearing a hat to avoid drawing attention to his eye. His mother told me that he has lost all his confidence. He is too embarrassed to face people because he is worried they would think he looks weird and laugh at him. But Bilal took of his hat and allowed me to see his face. He has the face of an angel.

"Dignity can not wait for better times."

2013-08-21T10:46:00.002-07:00

"There are no scraps of men."

This is brilliant. Must watch. Thanks to Margareta Wahlström for tagging this for us and Mahmood and Alberto Cairo for doing it. May we live it.

October 13, 2013 "A Not so Obvious Conversation Living with Disability in Disasters"

Road to Sendai: Third United Nations World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction

2013-08-21T10:22:00.003-07:00

Its' official - the save the date announcement came out yesterday from the UNISDR for the Third World Conference on Disaster Reduction. So in case you have not seen it, here it is:

Dear partners,

Subject to an anticipated decision of the UN General Assembly later in 2013, the Third United Nations World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (WCDRR) is to take place in Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan, from 14 to 18 March 2015 (five days inclusive).

Hosted by the Government of Japan in cooperation with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR), as secretariat of the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction, the WCDRR will review the implementation of the Hyogo Framework for Action and is expected to adopt a successor framework for disaster risk reduction.

The post-2015 framework for disaster risk reduction will build on the knowledge and practice developed through the implementation of the International Framework for the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction of 1989, the Yokohama Strategy and Plan of Action of 1994, the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction of 1999 and the Hyogo Framework for Action 2005-2015: Building the Resilience of Nations and Communities to Disasters. Pursuant to General Assembly resolution 66/199, UNISDR will continue to ensure extensive and inclusive multi-stakeholder consultations for a post-2015 framework for disaster risk reduction.

Kind regards,
UNISDR

*******************

International Day for Disaster Reduction 2013
http://www.unisdr.org/2013/iddr

The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR)
Visit our website: http://www.unisdr.org
Follow us on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/unisdr
Find us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/unisdr

Share your Disaster Risk Reduction content: http://www.preventionweb.net/submit

2013-08-17T15:52:00.000-07:00

I absolutely have to share this rose with you...such a simple beauty standing in my front yard. And this incredible Aria - "Vaù" (Feriae V in Coena Domini, Lectio Seconda from the remarkable Giacomo Carissimi's Lamentazioni per la Settimana Santa)! I hope you enjoy them!

2013-08-16T16:09:00.001-07:00

In July my heart was caught by the Gambia. Well not like the abstract concept of the Gambia but what must be the heart and soul that endures past losing hope. By children and people who believe in a better future for themselves and others and do something about it... daily.

For ten days I was privileged to be there conducting a training workshop on DRR. Following are a few of my experiences and impressions. The life of the place, including the culture, people and hospitality; as well as the complex and pervasive layering of vulnerabilities and impacts of climate change are indelibly stamped in my mind...

One of the most moving stories is of a friend of mine who used to be a sponsored child with ChildFund. From a very poor village, he now is married and works as a program manager helping other Gambian youth and their families overcome gut-wrenching poverty... and since our workshop he’s inspired to return to his home village and share what he learned on risk and resilience. He is such a passionate guy about giving back, "Because they believed in me," he says of his sponsors, “I want to give back to my community by building their capacities to reduce risks”... I received the photo above earlier this week, along with a request to review his workshop plan.

So his idea is to train up 50 young people, creating awareness and hazards pertaining to their locality, spreading the culture of disaster preparedness, and imparting skills and knowledge on DRR so that the youths and their families and communities can be more resilient to disasters, and better able to manage them when they do occur. Incidentally, he’s raising funds locally to pay for the training – most of it coming from his own pocket. Amazing? Look at the picture and see future leaders!

It inspires me to think of the cascading impact and influence of these 50 young people in their various walks of life, as well as the impact that the workshop will likely have on their own individual lives and futures. It is exciting to see when the powerful idea of resilience takes off and forms a life of its own. I believe that the seeds that we planted together in the Gambia at the DRR workshop that are now germinating will grow towards the betterment of life in West Africa.

My co-trainer in the pink shirt on the right is from Liberia. During the war he hid for three months inside of a burnt structure of a house with no roof - nothing but a shell. He crawled around at night hoping and praying not to be discovered. The colleague to my left is from Sierra Leone. When the rebels descended on her village to take retribution for a crime that a neighbor had committed, they chose her house. Able to convince them that the man they sought was from a neighboring village and not hers, she and her family escaped harm. The lovely young lady kneeling in front started by helping us in administration and logistics, but was so gifted, and similarly captivated by the topic that she ended up participating, making a presentation on vulnerabilities in the community on behalf of the Gambia country office.

More to follow soon...

2013-08-07T16:57:00.005-07:00

CALL FOR ABSTRACTS (received August 5th, 2013)

The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR) is issuing a Call for Abstracts as part of the development of the 2015 Global Assessment Report (GAR15). The GAR15 will be published prior to the World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in 2015, in which governments will adopt a successor framework to the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA).

The purpose of this Call for Abstracts is to encourage more research investigating the degree to which the HFA has been fit-for-purpose in affecting change in the management of disaster risk, and in so doing, contribute to both the formulation of the successor framework to the HFA (the HFA2), as well as the development of indicators for effectively measuring the impact of the forthcoming framework.

UNISDR seeks input papers to the 2015 Global Assessment Report (GAR15) that present research, oriented by indicator, addressing the following issues:

what changes have been observed since the adoption of the HFA in 2005, and what has been the impact in terms of risk to society;

to what degree has change been facilitated by the HFA or other emerging drivers of effective disaster risk management;

determine if the change was adequately captured by the indicator in its current form and if not propose an alternative impact indicator;

what elements will need to be developed for inclusion in the successor framework to the HFA.

To date, research has principally been limited to an analysis of progress in implementing the HFA, based on a factual appraisal of the feedback provided by government and inter-governmental review, as well as major stakeholder groups, against the 22 core indicators of the Priorities for Action of the HFA. These indicators have thus far encouraged the measurement of inputs as opposed to outputs and impact. The Call therefore seeks to encourage research that: examines and provides evidence of change since 2005 through the lens of the 22 core indicators; and investigates the extent to which such change can be attributable to the components of the HFA, or other emerging issues.

The deadline for submitting abstracts is 1 month after the date of the Call, or September 5.

Abstracts should be 300 words or less.

Abstracts are to be submitted to gar15_HFA@un.org using the submission template available at http://www.preventionweb.net/english/professional/networks/private/hfa-thematic-review/

Abstracts must be informed by the Call for Abstracts, Guidance Document and the Concept Paper available on the dedicated workspace.

After review of the abstracts by UNISDR, the Coordinating Organisation and the Coordinating Lead Author, UNISDR will invite successful applicants to develop full GAR15 input papers for submission by the date specified in respective Concept Papers (and by the latest 31 December 2013).

Input papers will be used by the Coordinating Lead Author to develop GAR15 Background Papers, which will be subjected to both an informal peer review, as well as an external peer review.

A second Call for Abstracts will be issued on 15 September 2013 covering the remaining research areas outlined in the generic Call for Abstracts available on the workspace.

All input papers will be made available online as an annex to GAR15. In addition, UNISDR will coordinate the submission of all final papers to an academic journal for consideration in a special issue focusing on the state of disaster risk management. The use of Input Papers in the development of GAR 15 Background Papers will be at the discretion of the CLA.

For more information contact UNISDR: Rhea Katsanakis (katsanakis@un.org).

2013 GAR website: http://www.preventionweb.net/english/hyogo/gar/2013/en/home/index.html

Global Platform for DRR 2013 - Day 2

2013-05-22T15:20:00.000-07:00

You are in for a treat! Today was an action-packed, edge of your seat kind of day at the #GPDRR13. Report on the launch of the Global Assessment Report, a room small enough to feel like an intimate discussion with the President of the Global Risk Forum, the Chair of the Drafting Committee of the original 2005 Hyogo Framework for Action...

DRR Progress - Where are We and what about DRR Governance?
Here is Dr. Marco Ferrari, discussing DRR Governance and Government. You are very fortunate to get to hear him, in the video I will post tomorrow as well - the latest on progress in the DRR global movement and priorities, from one of the authors.

Read more about Dr. Ferrari at http://www.idrc.info/pages_new.php/Marco-Ferrari/1067/1/831/927/

DRM versus DRR - Yes We still need to Distinguish Them, and Clearly
Dr. Walter Amman, President and CEO of the Global Risk Forum, also spoke on DRR: Government to Governance - From Disaster Risk Management to Integrative Risk Management-the Paradigm Shift in DRR, bringing greater clarity and distinction in DRM and DRR, calling for exactly that - a paradigm shift. It seems we are not as far along as we should be, and policy makers and practitioners alike can do well to heed the wise counsel of these two leading thinkers and global leaders, Dr. Ammann and Dr. Ferrari.

New Knowledge & New Conceptual Models
Professor Peijun Shi gave an absolutely brilliant presentation on "Professional Management and Integrated Governance" presenting his latest thinking around DRR and governance, along with some refined conceptual models which I will share more about tomorrow. As usual, Dr. Shi from Beijing Normal University, knocked our socks off. In addition, he showed his kindness by gifting me a complete publication of the Atlas of Natural Disaster Risk of China, an amazing book. Thank you, Dr. Shi!

Priority 5 of the Children's Charter for Disaster Risk Reduction -

Prioritization of the Most Vulnerable as Expressed by a very Powerful Advocate

Finally, in one of the most moving speeches I've ever heard, a Vietnamese boy and budding DRR activist with cerebral palsy shared his experience of being trapped in his parents' home in a flood, and them helping him escape... he spoke on behalf of children with disabilities and challenged the international community to urgently prioritize people with disabilities preparedness and response planning, helping them evacuate first in times of disaster. To me, listening to him was really what DRR is all about. When we launched the Charter, it was really a way to express voices and experiences like his, and it was such a privilege to hear him speak out at the GPDRR. I was told by one of the facilitators that two months ago, he had never been to school, as his parents are very poor. One day, he attended a DRR training with his father, and after the flood he wanted to help people in his village so he continued to learn about DRR, and was invited to attend the GPDRR in Geneva. If the future of DRR is informed and guided by the likes of him, it will indeed be very bright. May it be so!

For more information on the Children's Charter, see http://www.preventionweb.net/english/professional/publications/v.php?id=19894

Panajachel Bound...

2013-04-18T15:39:00.002-07:00

I'm back! Headed for Guatemala in 48 hours to work with NGO staff and local communities on a new multi-country DRR capacity building venture. Stay tuned! We are just beginning this journey!

Durbin's resilience outshines skeptics

2011-04-27T21:55:00.000-07:00

"Adversity fuels me to do better" - this is one reason I am an unabashed James Durbin fan - tonight's performance is another!

"I feel like I should try to save my family"- Young pastoralist Abdullahi's fight for resilience

2011-01-27T10:49:00.000-08:00

Abdullahi and his little brother from Kenya

A colleague passed along this amazing video clip to me this morning..about Abdullahi, a Kenyan boy who, demoralized in the face of devastating loss of livestock due to drought, found a way to still bring a ray of hope into his community for the future. "I think about ways that I can work hard and get an education", he says, "so that I can change my family's standard of living."

How Abullahi does this - this ray of hope - is beautiful and painful to witness... This poignant short story says more than words ever could about the unique and powerful role that children and youth often do have in catalyzing change in their communities...even in the worst circumstances. Let's make a point to notice and celebrate children's contributions to envisioning and bringing about a better future wherever and however these occur. As for Abdulahi's community, raising awareness and support for schemes that support pastoralists to face existing and impending losses is another way to build resilience.

Kalacha, Marsabit district where a satellite imaging insurance scheme will be used
Photograph: Gideon Mendel/© Gideon Mendel/Corbis

Abdullahi's Story

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Killer Year caps deadly decade - reducing disaster impact not an option, says UN SRSG Margareta Wahlström

2011-01-26T14:25:00.000-08:00

2010 tied for the warmest year on record, and ranks as one of the deadliest in two decades for natural disasters, with the Haiti earthquake and the Russian heat wave driving total deaths to nearly 300,000. $109 billion was spent on dealing with disasters in 2010 - money which could have been invested in helping vulnerable communities cope with poverty, climate change and other development deterrants. With the scale of these statistics coming in to cap this deadly decade... disaster risk reduction (DRR) is no longer 'an option'.

Speaking from Geneva, Margareta Wahlström, UN Special Representative to the Secretary General said,

"These figures are bad, but could be seen as benign in years to come...Unless we act now, we will see more and more disasters due to unplanned urbanization and environmental degradation. And weather-related disasters are sure to rise in the future, due to factors that include climate change."

When will we think ahead and begin to really work together well? It does seem that what was once an issue that may have been in the margins is now becoming mainstreamed into public conscience - and into development mechanisms at national, international and local levels... but this is happening far too slowly and these good cases are too few in comparison with the scale of the problem. Among the critical issues now are to bring DRR into mainline development budgeting and implementation processes at these various levels, and to bring all the stakeholders around the table to truly make reducing risk 'everybody's business' - rather than the business of disaster managers or civil protection or "specialists". Everyone has a role to play in becoming aware and being prepared, in reaching out during disasters, and in their aftermath to build back better. Speaking on the importance of key actors in this process, Ms. Wahlstrom said,

"It’s critical for local governments, city leaders and their partners to incorporate climate change adaptation in urban planning,” Ms. Wahlström said, stressing that disaster risk reduction was “no longer optional”. “What we call ‘disaster risk reduction’ – and what some are calling ‘risk mitigation’ or ‘risk management’ – is a strategic and technical tool for helping national and local governments to fulfill their responsibilities to citizens.”

A recent press release by the UNISDR draws on research provided by CRED on disaster trends - which hopefully are a wakeup call for us all to our own role in building resilience both at home and abroad.

President of UN General Assembly convenes first ever Thematic Debate on Disaster Risk Reduction - coming up!

2011-01-25T15:28:00.000-08:00

World Vision, UNDP, Save the Children and youth from Canada and the Philippines are preparing a dynamic side event at the upcoming Thematic Debate on DRR at the UN headquarters in New York. The event is entitled: Taking Collective Action in DRR for Good Governance – Investing in Our Children’s Future: A multi-stakeholder dialogue between youth, NGOs, UN agencies, Government and partners on working together to integrate DRR and development, addressing risks which undermine sustainable development.

This special side event will occur from 1:15 - 2:45 p.m. on 9 February, 2011 at UN Headquarters in New York at the informal Thematic Debate on Disaster Risk Reduction hosted by H.E. President Joseph Deiss of Switzerland, the current President of the UN General Assembly. For more information on this debate, and other initiatives of the President, see http://www.un.org/en/ga/president/65/initiatives/drr.shtml

Background to the meeting: The High-level Plenary Meeting of the General Assembly on the Millennium Development Goals, held from 20 to 22 September 2010, acknowledged that disaster risk reduction and increasing resilience to natural hazard can have multiplier effects and accelerate achievement of the MDGs.

The event is sponsored by World Vision, UNDP, Save the Children and partners. For more information, please contact @melisamar on Twitter or palm@un.org

BBC interviews Margareta Wahlstrom on Disaster Reduction

2011-01-18T16:48:00.000-08:00

Margareta Wahlstrom, Special Representative to the UN Secretary General, speaks here to the BBC on the importance of investing in disaster risk reduction.

Cancun - opening day of COP16

2010-11-29T12:47:00.000-08:00

Live coverage of COP16 http://www.oneclimate.net/cancun

Today marks the opening day of the Conference of Parties (COP) 16 conference in Cancun. Stay tuned for live updates on the COP16 as the conference progresses.

Can you Change the World? Messages of Hope from Arnold Schwarzenegger, Desmond Tutu, and God Himself

2009-12-15T11:13:00.000-08:00

A Message of Hope from Arnold Schwarzenegger at COP-15

"Change starts from the grassroots," California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger said today at his speech to the COP-15. The leaders of the Copenhagen conference need to listen to "ordinary folks" when journalists queried whether he honestly expected Africa to learn from the example of California on climate change. California leads the US in its mandate to cut greenhouse gases and become a green state. "We don't wait for Washington," he said, "We've given up on that long ago."

"But how happy we would be", he said, "if all the world's harbors would be as clean" as Copenhagen's! And Schwarzenegger presented California's dream of a clean state as a story of "transformation"... and the reason behind the COP-15 meeting, "...the desire, the hope and the need for planetary transformation."

And is the story a fairy-tale, a dream, a false hope, "and if it is not, how do we make it real?" asks Schwarzenegger. And why do we put so many hopes and eggs into the big, international agreement basket, when the UN has reported that over 80% of greenhouse gas mitigation will be done at the sub-national level? These are profound questions posed by the Governor of California, a man whose political mettle more than a few have questioned. Questions meriting an answer!

So what is your place in this story? What is your dream? Can you imagine living in a world where people took care of our planet the same way they take care of what is most precious to them in life? Can you imagine that you can change the world? What are you waiting for?

...to be continued...

COP-15: Amidst Dissent over Climate Agreement in Copenhagen

2009-12-12T08:57:00.001-08:00

In the heart of Copenhagen there is a loud shout going on and its all about what's happening with the earth's climate.. but not only that; it's about an age-old rift between the rich and the poor. Today, nearly 100,000 demonstrators march to show their dissatisfaction and put pressure as world leaders gather for an unprecedented event taking place just 4 miles away. The COP-15 is an unprecedented event and a veritable circus of activity and interests around the central theme of reaching a climate agreement that will put a stop to the earth's climate decline. With nearly 42,000 registered participants, 1500 journalists, some 110 heads of state from 194 nations, the possibility of reaching a legally binding agreement is becoming slimmer by the day. Today the demonstrations downtown have been mostly peaceful with the exception of 300 black-clad youths who capitalized on the moment, throwing bricks and smashing windows. They were a black spot on what is actually a colorful display of protest extending from the Arctic to Australia, intending to send a message to politicians to act now to save the earth and its peoples from the onslaught of climate change.

A draft agreement circulated Friday ignited significant debate over key issues: poorer countries complained that it failed to specify commitments on finance, the US contested it failed to commit China and other rapidly growing developing nations to strict emissions commitments, and the EU stated it did not go far enough to curb warming to 2 degrees celcius. Currently lack of agreement on these issues, and an apparent rift between China and the US, as well as lack of agreement between small island states and other developing nations who have allied with China, is blocking the process from moving forward.

This morning's debate was marked on both ends by an empassioned plea from the represenative of the small island state Tuvalu, Ian Fry, to save his island nation. "I woke up this morning crying", he said to the COP-15 President, Connie Hadegaard. "...And that is not easy for a grown man... the fate of my country rests in your hands." Despite disagreement by powerful nations such as India and Saudi Arabia, the COP-15 President promised not to "sweep the issues under the rug" in the midst of the pressured negotiations. The bold words of Mr. Fry, which cut a clear rift in the negotiations, symbolize the struggle of many small nations to defend not only economic rights, but their very existence.

Rich nations have pledged a climate fund of $10 billion and poor nations say this is insufficient. So the isues at stake in this debate are not only environmental; they cut to the core of the human rights debate and a litmus test of views on how nations should develop. "Some of the small islands will disappear, we accept that", said Crispin Gregoire, Dominican Ambassador of the 42-member Association of Small Island States (AOSIS), "but we want an agreement that will address our survival."

Which is one reason why police fill the streets of Copenhagen now...COP-15 has revealed the life-or-death issues at stake, and as the world awaits a decision which seems unlikely to some, the struggle in Copenhagen for a better life on and of the planet goes on...

From the Forest in Ede, on the Road to Copenhagen...

2009-11-30T12:02:00.000-08:00

...I decided to make a stop near a beautiful forest in the Netherlands to learn about advocacy and policy influencing from the pros at MDF....

So here I am nestled right next to this forest... thinking about advocacy and the road to COP-15. http://en.cop15.dk

If you've ever been to a training you know it can be a frustrating experience. Paying someone to ramble on about something they've never experienced, while repeating themselves and asking the course participants to do more work than they are is a less than motivating way of learning. However things are not like that at MDF. http://mdf.nl/ They've been in the business of training, capacity building and consulting for well over 25 years, are some of the best in the business. Their Project Management course is second to none. I took the two-week course in 2003 and it was so good we translated it into Russian and after contextualising it, we used the material as a Training-of-Trainers curriculum for our civic activist network in Kyrgyzstan, "Suyuu Bulagi". The network is now providing a version of the Project Management as well as other training and consulting services to expatriate and national clients in Kyrgyzstan and other neighboring countries. It's good stuff.

The course I am in now is focusing on policy influencing. It's taught by lobbyist and policy/advocacy expert Ger Roebeling, most recently known for the whistle blowing on Betty Makoni and the Girl Child Network incident in Zimbabwe. Ger is now on staff with MDF. I'll keep you posted on the course as well as on preparations for COP-15 in the coming days. I will be blogging from the event, and I will use the knowledge and skills gained from my spot in the forest at the conference of parties...

California wildfires - Freeway Complex Fires

2008-11-15T17:20:00.000-08:00

Watching California fires rage through LA and Orange Counties. An updated fire map can be found at http://www.ocregister.com/articles/fire-map-orange-2191967-county-perimeter Evacuation message board number is 213 485 2121 or dial 311 if in Los Angeles County, to check on status of evacuees. More information follows. Prayers go out with families who are experiencing this tragedy right now. Live web cameras over OC and LA highways http://video.dot.ca.gov/ and OC tweets about the fire at http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/sections/news/firecentral/octwitters/ 10 miles of straight fire line as of 18:01 off the Freeway Complex fire from Corona, Anaheim Hills, Yorba Linda, through Brea and now on to La Habra. For interactive google maps with emergency information, see http://cbs2.com/firewatch/#corona_fire

UN Secretary General Calls for All Actors to Focus on HFA, Preparedness and Tools to Support DRR

2008-11-11T00:02:00.000-08:00

Reaffirming strong commitment to peace, stability in Afghanistan, assembly adopts consensus resolution urging global cooperation in countering ongoing challenges

GA/10780
Sixty-third General AssemblyPlenary42nd & 43rd Meetings (AM & PM) - November 10, 2008

Also Adopts Texts on Cooperation between United Nations and Arab League, Situation in Central America: Fashioning Region of Peace, Freedom, Democracy

While deeply concerned about the Taliban's encroaching influence around the country, the burgeoning narcotics trade and surging violence that has killed more and more aid workers and civilians, the Assembly today, in its annual debate on the situation in Afghanistan, recognized signs of progress and drew hope from the newly emerging ties between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Throughout the morning's debate, which ended with the adoption of a wide-ranging resolution, delegates stressed that the Afghan people and their Government needed to direct the transformation of their war-torn country into a democratic and independent nation. Meanwhile, the international community should continue to back the troubled nation's long-term vision and show commitment that would supply stability not only for the country, but the wider region and the world.
The Assembly, as it had in previous years, acted without a vote and adopted a resolution that enveloped issues from the expanding drug trade and terrorist activities of the Taliban and Al-Qaida to the daily tragedies stemming from anti-personnel landmines and ongoing recruitment of children by terrorist groups.
Germany's representative introduced the text, which reiterated the urgent need to tackle the challenges in Afghanistan, particularly the increased violent criminal and terrorist activities by the Taliban, Al-Qaida, illegal armed groups and those involved in the narcotics trade, particularly in the country's south and east. The Assembly was deeply concerned with the recent surge in violence and expressed its serious distress at the high number of civilian casualties. It also noted that the security situation was causing some organizations to cease or curtail their humanitarian and development work in parts of the country.
The resolution welcomed the Declaration of the Paris Conference of 12 June 2008 and additional pledges of international support, as well as the launching of the Afghanistan National Development Strategy. Yet, it noted that the Assembly remained deeply concerned that millions of anti-personnel landmines and explosive remnants remained a major obstacle to restarting the economy and reconstruction efforts.
The Assembly recognized the importance of holding free, fair and secure elections in 2009 and 2010 towards consolidating democracy for all Afghans, as identified in the Afghanistan Compact. Turning to social issues, the Assembly strongly condemned incidents of discrimination and violence against women and girls, particularly if directed against women activists and women prominent in public life. Regarding children, the Assembly stressed the need to ensure respect for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of children and expressed its concern about the ongoing recruitment and use of children by illegally armed and terrorist groups in Afghanistan.
While highlighting the region's accomplishments, such as the creation of democratic institutions and a vibrant political system, economic growth and infrastructure improvements, the representative of Iran said serious challenges remained. The cultivation and production of and trafficking in narcotic drugs in Afghanistan continued unabated and impacted the country's security and development, while posing serious threats to the region and the world.
On the topic of refugees, he said Iran was hosting about two million Afghan nationals, half of whom were living in the country illegally. Both he and the representative of Pakistan urged the international community to help repatriate and rehabilitate those Afghans within each country's borders. Pakistan also hosted millions of Afghan refugees and it was important to create incentives, such as viable family return packages, for their voluntary return.
Pakistan's delegate also acknowledged the lack of security along the two nations' shared border and said security was a joint responsibility. Determined to play its role, Pakistan had deployed 110,000 military personnel on its side of the border and had lost more soldiers than the combined losses of the international security forces in Afghanistan. He said Pakistan was committed to working with Afghanistan and noted the two neighbours' invigorated plan to strengthen their relationship and expand cooperation beyond security to political, military, intelligence, and economic areas.
Speaking before the resolution was adopted, Afghanistan's representative said he was hopeful about a new beginning with two of his country's most important allies -- Pakistan and the United States. He viewed the election of Pakistan's new President, Asif Ali Zardari, as an initial move towards collaboration that would hopefully lead to peace and security. In addition, he looked forward to working with United States President-elect Barack Obama and appreciated the continuing support of the United States.
The representative of the United States underscored the vital role that Afghanistan's neighbours played in securing its success, and said Pakistan's newly-elected Government created an opportunity for increased cooperation between the two countries. To encourage Afghanistan's stability and development, it was crucial for regional cooperation to progress on several fronts, including by ensuring: no sanctuary for hostile forces; no use of extremists and terrorists to advance national interests; and the promotion of intelligence sharing. Integrating Afghanistan into regional institutions and the regional economy also was important, he added.
With perhaps one of the most optimistic outlooks delivered in today's debate, the representative of Turkey said progress had been made on many fronts. Like many other delegates, he was pleased by the United Nations' expanded role in Afghanistan, and urged greater regional cooperation, and the need for all types of international support to produce tangible benefits for ordinary Afghans as it improved their daily lives.
In other business this morning, the Assembly adopted by consensus a draft resolution on cooperation between the United Nations and the League of Arab States. The representative of Libya introduced the text, which recognized the need to strengthen cooperation between the two organizations in order to reach common goals and objectives.
The resolution also reaffirmed that a general meeting of representatives of the United Nations system and the Arab League should be held every two years and joint inter-agency sectoral meetings should be convened on a biennial basis to address crucial development issues in the region. This was the sixth resolution championing collaboration between the United Nation and regional and other entities that the Assembly had adopted in the past week.
Turning to Central America, the Assembly adopted by consensus a resolution on the situation in Central America: progress in fashioning a region of peace, freedom, democracy and development. Introduced by the representative of Guatemala, the text commended the country's Government for its commitment to combating impunity and its efforts to strengthen the institutions that buttressed the rule of law and defence of human rights. The resolution expressed its appreciation to Member States and other donors that had supported the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala, whether through voluntary contributions, financial and in-kind, and urged them to continue their support.
Finally, the Assembly began its debate on strengthening the Organization's coordination of humanitarian and disaster relief assistance. The debate, which will continue tomorrow, enveloped a range of regions and issues, from relief and recovery in the wake of the Indian Ocean tsunami disaster to the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to the reconstruction of Liberia.
The representative of Antigua and Barbuda, speaking on behalf of the "Group of 77" and China, said a stronger bilateral, regional and international cooperative response was needed to counter the increasing number and scale of natural disasters and their impact on the loss of lives, livelihood and food security. Such cooperation played a unique role in enhancing developing countries' existing humanitarian capacities by developing and maintaining early warning systems, rapid response strategies to natural disasters and long-term tactics during post-recovery periods.
Also speaking on the situation in Afghanistan were the representatives of France (on behalf of the European Union), Russian Federation, Armenia, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Kuwait, India, Japan, Norway, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Poland and Malaysia.
Delegates that joined in the debate on the humanitarian and disaster relief assistance were France (on behalf of the European Union), Grenada (on behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM)), India (on behalf of Sweden) and India.
Also today the representative of Yemen introduced a draft resolution on economic assistance for Yemen (document A/63/L.21).
The General Assembly will reconvene Tuesday, 11 November, at 10 a.m. to continue the joint debate on humanitarian and disaster relief assistance.
Background
The General Assembly met today for a joint debate on strengthening United Nations coordination of humanitarian and disaster relief assistance, including economic assistance. It also planned to consider the situations in Afghanistan and in Central America, and resume its consideration of the report of the International Criminal Court.
Among other reports and documents, the Assembly had before it the Secretary-General's report on the situation in Afghanistan and its implications for international peace and security (document A/63/372-S/2008/617), which provides an update on developments since the previous report of 6 March (A/62/722-S/2008/159).
It draws attention to the increase in attacks by anti-government elements, leading to a more challenging situation, with more civilian casualties, not only as a result of those attacks, but also as an "unintended consequence of operations by pro-Government forces". Preparations for the voter registration process have progressed, however, as have counter-narcotics efforts, with an increase of poppy-free provinces from 13 to 18.
The report notes that the 12 June Paris Conference in Support of Afghanistan launched the Afghanistan National Development Strategy. Participants pledged $2.14 billion for Afghanistan's development. The Development Strategy provides a road map for future efforts by the Government and the international community to provide for the security and prosperity of the Afghan people. If the funds pledged are to have the impact required, massive institution-building efforts will be necessary, along with decisive action to address serious weaknesses in governance.
The Joint Coordination and Monitoring Board –- established in 2006 to ensure greater coherence of efforts by the Afghan Government and the international community to implement the 2006 "Afghan Compact" -- met on 6 July and 9 September. On the proposal of the Special Representative, it decided to streamline its decision-making process by replacing the numerous consultative groups with three standing committees, namely on: security; governance, rule of law and human rights; and economic and social development.
Following the Paris Conference, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) undertook to enhance its coordination of donor efforts and to strengthen aid effectiveness. According to the report, the Mission is currently preparing to open new provincial offices, further strengthening the good offices and outreach capability offered by its existing 17 field offices.
The Secretary-General observes that, although the report presents a mixed picture, the negative trend can be reversed if the commitments undertaken at the Paris Conference are implemented. "Ultimately, success will depend on our ability to bring about a 'political surge' that musters the political determination to address those areas in which international and Afghan efforts have been insufficient, and to accelerate progress where gains have been made," he writes.
He goes on to say that the Afghan people throughout the country must be able to see and experience more concrete results of and benefits from the assistance that they hear has been pledged to their country. They must see that corruption is being punished and competence rewarded. Civilians must be protected, not only from terrorism and insurgency, but also from unintended consequences of pro-Government military operations. They must be given a stronger sense of confidence in the international community, both civilian and military, and especially in their own Government.
On the situation in Central America, the Assembly has before it a letter dated 27 October 2008 from the Secretary-General to the Assembly President (document A/63/511), providing an update on the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG). Pursuant to the 2006 agreement between the United Nations and Guatemala that created that body, the Secretary-General, in 2007, appointed Carlos Castresana of Spain as Commissioner.
As CICIG is an independent organ whose expenses are met through voluntary contributions, a trust fund administered by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) was created on 3 October 2007. To date, $26 million has been raised from 12 Member States and the European Union, covering more than 90 per cent of the projected two-year budget.
In carrying out its two-year mandate, the Commission is investigating 15 high-impact cases, most often in coordination with the Office of the Public Prosecutor; has identified the names of civil servants who have obstructed its work; and analysed national legislation on security, among other areas. Among its challenges ahead, the most complex of them could arise as investigations and court proceedings advance in cases that might touch powerful criminal interests. Operational concerns include strengthening security and facilitating the transnational exchange of information, among other things.
For its joint debate, the Assembly will take up several other reports of the Secretary-General, the first of which is that on strengthening emergency relief, rehabilitation, reconstruction, recovery and prevention in the aftermath of the Indian Ocean tsunami disaster (A/53/84-E/2008/80), which provides an overview of progress and challenges for the countries hardest hit by the 2004 tsunami: India; Indonesia; Maldives; Sri Lanka; and Thailand. It also covers Malaysia, Myanmar, Seychelles, Somalia and the United Republic of Tanzania.
The report addresses aid and recovery coordination, models of Government humanitarian and recovery institutions, transparency to donors, risk reduction, tsunami early warning, and incorporation of prevention in development planning. It notes progress across the affected region: displaced persons are residing in newly constructed homes, children are in school, and hospitals are being rebuilt. However, the picture of success is an uneven one, as each nation faces different challenges. Common to all is the realization that it will take years for individual households and the wider economies on which they depend to recover.
Looking forward, the report notes that, as recovery and reconstruction efforts are being mainstreamed into long-term development assistance projects and programmes, continued specific reporting to the Economic and Social Council is no longer warranted.
Also before the Assembly was the Secretary General's report on safety and security of humanitarian personnel and protection of United Nations personnel (documents A/63/305 and Corr. 1), which assess efforts by the Department of Safety and Security to implement recommendations contained in resolution 62/95. It also highlights significant threats to the security and safety of humanitarian and United Nations personnel during the July 2007 to June 2008 period, and focuses on the Organization's efforts to ensure respect for their human rights.
The report underscores the Secretary-General's grave concern at the rise in deliberate targeting of humanitarian and United Nations personnel. He condemns in the strongest terms the 11 December 2007 attack in Algiers, Algeria, which killed 17 United Nations staff members, and states that the present report is without prejudice to the implementation of recommendations made by the Independent Panel on Safety and Security of United Nations Personnel and Premises Worldwide, or the Independent Panel on Accountability, related to the Algiers attack.
As part of the ongoing review of security policies, the Secretary-General will continue to encourage taking steps to enhance security management, the report states. Priorities include addressing key policy, operational and strategic weaknesses; improving the safety of locally recruited staff; providing adequate resources; improving the framework for accountability; enhancing cooperation with host Governments and restoring public trust in the United Nations.
For its part, the Department of Safety and Security will maintain its focus on enabling effective programme delivery by achieving: timely responses to and preventive action for all security related threats; effective risk mitigation; and high-quality security standards. It will enhance its efforts in promoting best practices and establishing effective mechanisms with host country authorities for information exchange.
As for Governments, the report concludes that Member States must include the security of humanitarian and United Nations personnel as integral to their deliberations in United Nations intergovernmental bodies. The Secretary-General calls on States to address: unlawful arrests and harassment of United Nations staff; obstruction of freedom of movement of United Nations and humanitarian workers; and impunity for crimes against them. He also appealed to States to lift restrictions on the import of communications equipment.
Host Governments are the first line of defence in the protection of humanitarian and United Nations personnel, the report states, and stresses that the Secretary-General is deeply disturbed by the trend of politically motivated targeting of humanitarians, most evident in Somalia, where 18 non-governmental organization staff members were murdered. He expressed his deepest condolences to the families of all humanitarian and United Nations staff who had lost their lives in the line of duty, and recommended that the Assembly remain seized of such critical issues.
The Secretary-General's report on strengthening of the coordination of emergency humanitarian assistance of the United Nations (document A/63/81-E/2008/71), describes major humanitarian trends and challenges over the past year, and analyzes two thematic issues of concern: the humanitarian implications of climate change and the humanitarian challenges related to the current global food trends. It provides an overview of current key processes to improve humanitarian coordination and ends with recommendations for further strengthening the coordination of emergency humanitarian assistance of the United Nations.
During the reporting period, the largest driver of disasters was the increased incidence and severity of extreme weather events, mostly associated with climate change. Nine out of every 10 disasters are now climate related. During the past year, the United Nations has issued an unprecedented 15 funding appeals for sudden-onset disasters, five more than the previous year. Fourteen of these were climate-related.
The humanitarian consequences of inter-State and intra-State conflicts remain high, according to the report, and displacement continues to be a major source of concern. Compounding the challenges of climate change and armed conflict are recent jumps in food and fuel prices, which have led to violent protests in many countries. High food prices have the potential to sharply increase the incidence and depth of food insecurity.
The report concludes that Member States and humanitarian actors, within and outside the United Nations system, are faced with complex challenges that suggest increasing demand for humanitarian assistance. Trends such as the increased incidence of climate-related disasters and continued rise in global food prices are likely to increase communities' vulnerability. These trends require strengthened humanitarian response with enhanced coordination at all levels, as well as greater respect by all stakeholders of the humanitarian principles that underpin humanitarian assistance.
On the basis of the above, the report puts forward a ten-point list of specific measures it encourages Member States to consider in their efforts to mitigate the challenges they face as they work to strengthen the coordination of emergency humanitarian assistance.
The Secretary-General's report on international cooperation on humanitarian assistance in the field of natural disasters, from relief to development (document A/63/277), gives an overview of the humanitarian response to natural disasters, emerging trends, the implication for humanitarian action and key challenges to be addressed.
The report states that during 2007, there were 414 disasters associated with natural hazards, among them tropical storms and hurricanes, earthquakes, severe weather conditions and flooding, and cyclones. More than 16,800 people died and over 211 million were affected. However, in areas that were prepared for such disasters or where early warning systems were in place, fewer lives were lost. Such was the case in Bangladesh. In 2007, Cyclone Sidr killed 4,200 people, whereas in 1970, before the implementation of early warning and community-based preparedness, a cyclone of the same magnitude killed over 300,000 people.
The report also notes that ongoing humanitarian reforms and expanded inter-agency relations have fostered greater collaboration to create a "cluster approach" in responding to disasters in Bolivia, Mozambique, Tajikistan and parts of West Africa, among others.
The Secretary-General makes several recommendations, among them encouraging States to underline the importance of early and multi-year commitments to the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) and other humanitarian financing mechanisms. He calls on humanitarian actors to improve the dissemination of tools to support disaster risk reduction, and on States and humanitarian agencies to promote national disaster preparedness activities, including contingency planning, within the Hyogo Framework for Action.
Further to the report, the Secretary-General encourages States to consider increasing funds for disaster risk reduction activities; make use of guidelines for domestic facilitation of relief assistance; continue to support consolidated capability in the area of satellite-derived geography information for early warning, preparedness, response and early recovery; and consider the applicability of the Guidelines on the Use of Foreign Military and Civil Defence Assets in Disaster Relief for coordinating foreign military assets.
The Secretary-General also recommends that States consider the Operational Guidelines on Human Rights and Natural Disasters in implementation of contingency planning, disaster preparedness and response, and make resources available to support humanitarian organizations, whose burden is exacerbated by climate change and high food and fuel prices.
The Assembly also had before it the Secretary-General's report on the Central Emergency Response Fund (document A/63/348), which covers the 1 January 2007 to 30 June 2008 period. A two-year evaluation of the Fund found that it has largely achieved its objectives to become a "valuable and impartial tool for humanitarian action", by accelerating coverage and response time when situations suddenly deteriorate, or when humanitarian activities must be initiated in life-threatening emergencies.
The Fund's response has been diverse, broad and multilayered, the report states. After Cyclone Nargis struck Myanmar in May 2008, an initial tranche of funding was approved within one day. In the wake of two severe tropical storms in the Dominican Republic in late 2007, the United Nations Development Programme received part of a $3.9 million allocation to conduct clean-up and assistance to returning families. In Kenya, after civil unrest following the presidential elections at the end of December 2007, part of a $7 million allocation enabled the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to set up a rapid-coordinated and multifaceted response to the survivors of gender-based violence.
Also funded were the "forgotten" humanitarian crises, the report states, such as the $6.8 million in grants in 2007 to the Central African Republic, which allowed agencies to assist over 1.2 million people with life-saving support. Such funding had the secondary effect of enabling agencies to inform donors of the severity of the situation, resulting in a significant increase of humanitarian funding for the country.
The two-year evaluation yielded four recommendations, the report states, the first of which being that the Fund should continue under its current mandate, with allowances to increase its capacity in line with demand. The quality of funded programmes should become more consistent, and to that end, the criteria for project approval and application must be further refined.
In addition, the capacity of the CERF and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) field teams must be strengthened, and the mandate for the CERF Advisory Group be extended. Finally, the multiple lines of accountability for the Fund must be clarified by specifying the roles of each actor. This requires the Emergency Relief coordinator to ensure each operational agency has in place appropriate monitoring and reporting systems without adding more bureaucracy to the process.
The report concludes that the Fund must be adequately supported so that it continues to meet its annual target of $500 million. In that regard, the Secretary-General encourages all Member States to contribute to the Fund in solidarity with those affected by disaster. The success of the Fund's activities depends on the soundness of other parts of the system, including humanitarian programmes, preparedness programmes, and early recovery activities.
The Secretary-General's report on humanitarian assistance and reconstruction of Liberia (A/63/295) analyses the challenges to the delivery of humanitarian relief and rehabilitation to Liberia, in accordance with resolution 61/218. It examines particular progress in providing an environment conducive to promoting peace, development, regional security, financial and technical assistance, and the return and reintegration of ex-combatants.
Among other major developments, the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) stabilized all 15 counties, and created an environment conducive to the return of refugees and internally displaced persons. In October 2007, the Secretary-General deemed Liberia eligible for funding from the Peacebuilding Fund, and the priority plan has been endorsed for $15 million. By end-2007, 103,019 ex-combatants had been disarmed and 101,000 demobilized. As such, the focus shifted towards reintegration with vocational skills training and job placement.
The report concludes that for the Millennium Development Goals to be achieved, massive poverty alleviation and economic recovery are essential, and substantial donor support is urgently needed to help the new Government provide services on a large scale. Reliable data are vital for establishing an effective development agenda and other strategies to reduce poverty. While building the capacity of national institutions is fundamental, job creation through the private sector is at the heart of the country's sustainable development.
In addition, implementation of the joint Government/United Nations programme to prevent sexual and gender-based violence is essential, the report states, and donors should ensure sustained funding for that programme. Education and health care are areas of critical concern, and increased support is also needed.
Also before the Assembly was the Secretary-General's report on assistance to the Palestinian people (document A/53/75-E/2008/52), which details efforts by the United Nations, the Palestinian Authority and donors to support the Palestinian civilian population and institutions between May 2007 to April 2008.
Among major developments during the reporting period, the Palestinian economy continued to decline. After Hamas's takeover of the Gaza Strip and formation of a new Palestinian Authority Government under Prime Minister Salam Fayyad, the West Bank saw modest economic recovery. The Gaza Strip, however, continued its drastic decline and private sector collapse due to a near-complete closure. Progress was seen in reform and pledges from international donors, totalling $7.7 billion for a three-year period, to enable implementation of the new Palestinian Reform and Development Plan.
Such events reflected the de facto political split between the West Bank and Gaza Strip from June 2007 onwards, the report notes. While bilateral political negotiations resumed between Israel and the Palestinian Authority at the November 2007 Annapolis conference, the situation in Gaza was characterized by near-daily rocket fire against Israeli targets, and Israeli aerial attacks. The report describes efforts by United Nations agencies to address the situation in the areas of education, health, human rights, the Millennium Development Goals and the environment. It also outlines the Organization's support for Palestinian institutions, private sector development and emergency assistance.
The report concludes that the period under review was "volatile and difficult", marked by a shift in political terrain and significant degradation in the quality of life for the Gaza population. The United Nations country team is prepared to offer full support to the Palestinian Authority to implement its Reform and Development Plan, and to Palestinians who have been severely disrupted in the conflict. In the coming year, new opportunities could emerge with the implementation of commitments from both parities. Negotiations could bring new approaches to reach the broader aim of the United Nations, the Quartet and the global community to realize a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in the Middle East.
Assembly delegations also had before them a draft resolution on special economic assistance for Yemen (document A/63/L.21), by which they expressed solidarity with Yemenis impacted by flooding in the country's eastern provinces on 24 October 2008; invited Member States and relevant United Nations entities, among others, to provide economic and technical assistance in the post-disaster recovery process; and invited global support for Yemen's disaster risk management and disaster preparedness capacity. Article courtesy Reliefweb- http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/db900SID/MUMA-7LA4W3?OpenDocument
Documents on 63rd UN General Assembly available at http://www.un.org/ga/63/agenda/

Australians Promote Community Resilience Today!

2008-11-10T23:54:00.000-08:00

COMMUNITY RESILIENCE PROMOTED AT SAFER COMMUNITIES AWARDS

Attorney-General Robert McClelland today presented 16 Australian Safer Communities Awards to innovative and educational projects that promote awareness and management of natural disasters. With Australia impacted by floods and bushfires on an annual basis, Mr McClelland said it is important that communities learn about and prepare for the hazards they may encounter, and consider how best to deal with those hazards. “This understanding helps create more resilient communities. When communities are resilient they are better able to deal with a crisis, better equipped to deal with the consequences, and bounce back even stronger.”“Australians can be proud that our emergency services are the best in the world, but it’s unfair to expect them to do it all if disaster strikes. Regardless of who we are or where we live, we all have a role to play in disaster preparedness.”“I am very impressed by the wide range and quality of the projects submitted for this year’s Awards. The organisations receiving awards represent the very best of Australian citizenship and participation,” Mr McClelland said.Several of this year’s awards are aimed at raising the awareness of young people to the need for emergency preparedness and local government has again provided significant community projects.This year attracted a total of 89 entries across a range of organisations, including volunteers, the private sector, government, education, training and research bodies, and not-for-profit groups. The annual Australian Safer Communities Awards is managed by Emergency Management Australia, a division of the Attorney-General’s Department.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Adam Sims, Mr McClelland’s Office, 0419 480 224 Alastair Wilson, EMA Media Liaison 0408 606 462

Article courtesy Australia.to news. See http://www.australia.to/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=794:robert-mcclelland&catid=73:politics&Itemid=31

Remembering 70 Years Today of Jewish Resilience Since Kristallnacht

2008-11-10T23:46:00.000-08:00

Remembering Jewish Resilience at Kristallnacht: 70 Years Today

MARGATE - "We didn't know until we arrived in Dachau what they intended to do with us."Dachau Nazi Concentration Camp was part of 97–year–old Richard Haas's terrifying Holocaust experience that began with his arrest 70 years ago Monday on Kristallnacht.He says the Nazi's gave him no reason for his arrest "You know we knew what was going on," says Haas.Kristallnacht, "The Night of Broken Glass" was an event of extreme Nazi intimidation towards Jews on Novermber 9-10 1938.92 Jews were murdered about 30,000 were arrested and hundreds of synagogues were destroyed.Jewish homes and businesses were attacked too.Holocaust survivor Alice Gingold recalls, "Right across from where I live we saw people writing Jew, Jew, Jew so when Kristallnacht came they just went through and knew exactly which windows to break."Starting Monday Holocaust Survivors from throughout South Jersey have their pictures and stories on display at the Milton and Betty Katz Jewish Community Center in Margate.It's an exhibit based on the new book called Portraits of Resilience, a project of the Holocaust Resource Center of the Richard Stockton College of New Jersey.Those involved say 70 years haven't erased memories like Kristallnacht.Betty Grebenshikoff was 8 years old and says, "I remember fear, I remember broken glass, I remember walking on crunching glass and even today when I walk on broken glass I can remember that feeling of fear in my stomach."For many it was hard to understand why they became so hated."What did I do to them, I was the same person as the day before," says Grebenshikoff.According to some survivors, making sure the next generation understands their roots makes it worth recalling the painful past.Gingold says, "What will happen when we die? And we're all in our 80's and 70's we're going to be gone in 10 or 15 years from now. Who will remember and how will it be remembered?"Monday night the Jewish Community Center held a Kristallnacht remembrance Service.For more information on the Portraits exhibit call 609 6524699 or email gail.rosenthal@stockton.edu Article courtesy http://www.nbc40.net/view_story.php?id=7431