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Unique
joint initiative launched to measure progress of tsunami recovery
efforts 5 May 2006 Representatives from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the governments of India, Indonesia, the Maldives, Sri Lanka and Thailand have wrapped up talks in Bangkok aimed at agreeing on establishing a system to measure the outcomes and impact of recovery and reconstruction efforts in communities affected by the Asian tsunami. The gathering, which took place from 3-5 May, was sponsored by the International Federation and WHO, with the support of the Office of the UN Special Envoy for Tsunami Recovery, former US President Bill Clinton. The purpose of the initiative, known as the Tsunami Recovery Assessment and Monitoring System (TRIAMS), is to allow governments, agencies and affected populations to survey and monitor the rate and direction of recovery over the next four to five years. “It is not sufficient to simply know how many houses or kilometres of roads are being built if we are interested in the welfare of the people affected by the tsunami,” said Daniel Lopez-Acuna, Director of Recovery and Transition Programs at WHO’s Health Action in Crisis department. “We must also know that people have moved into the houses and that they have access to social services, which are being re-established.” Participants at the Bangkok meeting discussed and agreed on indicators, including vital needs, reconstruction and access to basic social services, which will give information on issues such as health, the nutritional status of children and the economic recovery of affected populations. “By monitoring how people recover, governments and aid agencies will be able to adjust their programmes accordingly,” said the International Federation’s special representative for the tsunami operation, Johan Schaar. Meeting participants also recognized that many people are still in a very vulnerable situation and living in difficult circumstances. For example, Yayasan Flower Aceh, a women’s organisation from Indonesia, voiced concern about the many cases of violence against women in displaced communities. Schaar pointed out that governments and aid agencies were “responsible for the protection of the displaced.” He added that the monitoring process was designed to be open and transparent and that the results would be shared with the public. Governments are now expected to develop country-specific plans of action for the implementation of TRIAMS, with the help of the International Federation, WHO and other UN agencies. Initial results are expected to be available by the end of 2006. For further information, or to set up interviews, please contact: At the International Federation in Geneva: Anna Nelson, Media Officer Tel: + 41 22 730 4381 / +41 79 724 2046 Media Service, duty phone Tel: + 41 79 416 38 81 The Geneva-based International Federation promotes the humanitarian activities of 183 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies among vulnerable people. By coordinating international disaster relief and encouraging development support, it seeks to prevent and alleviate human suffering. The Federation, National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross together, constitute the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. © International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies |
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