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As
tsunami operation continues, Red Cross Red Crescent hails boost for
international disaster response laws 10 January 2005 The entry into force of the Tampere Convention, which governs the use of telecommunication resources in disaster mitigation and relief operations, is a significant step forward in international attempts to achieve a more coordinated and effective response to catastrophes, particularly in light of the ongoing relief operations in tsunami-hit countries in Asia, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent said today. The Tampere Convention came into force on 8 January this year, 30 days after official ratification by 30 nations. “This is an important and eagerly-awaited moment for humanitarian actors like the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, as it will improve the effectiveness of our response to disasters, such as the earthquake and tsunamis that have devastated large parts of Asia. We anticipate that the entry into force of the convention will encourage other states to sign up to Tampere,” said Encho Gospodinov, the Federation’s representative in New York, noting that two of the tsunami-hit countries, India and Sri Lanka, had also ratified the convention. The Convention, whose entry into forces comes in the same month as the World Conference on Disaster Reduction begins in the Japanese city of Kobe, encourages disaster-affected countries requesting international assistance to facilitate the use of emergency telecommunications, for example by waiving normal licensing and importation provisions covering communications equipment. “This will improve the ability of the International Federation and other humanitarian agencies to deploy telecommunications equipment – essential in any emergency response operation - to the scene of a disaster without having to negotiate complicated legal requirements. Getting this equipment in place speedily will save lives,” explains Eva von Oelreich, head of disaster preparedness and response at the International Federation. The Federation has been in the vanguard of attempts to promote respect for international disaster response laws, rules and principles (IDRL) at the national and international level, and to improve and develop them where necessary. The Federation sees the entry into force of the Tampere Convention as a key milestone for the much needed improvement and clarification of the laws applicable to international humanitarian action in disaster situations. “All too often, the international community’s response to disasters is confused by a multiplicity of disconnected guidelines, treaties and legislation. The Tampere Convention is a great example of the international community coming together to remove some of that confusion and streamline the response to disasters,” said Victoria Bannon, IDRL Programme Coordinator. For further information, or to set up interviews, please contact: In Geneva: Roy Probert, Information Officer Tel. + 41 22 730 42 96 / + 41 79 217 33 86 Media Service, duty phone Tel. + 41 79 416 38 81 The Geneva-based International Federation promotes the humanitarian activities of 181 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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