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One
year after the tsunami, the challenge continues 21 December 2005 As communities across the globe pause to commemorate the tsunami tragedy of twelve months ago, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is urging an ongoing commitment to adhere to the principles that will drive sustainable and lasting recovery for tsunami-affected communities. “The first months of the operation were spent saving and securing lives, and they were a success,” said Johan Schaar, the International Federation Tsunami Operations Special Representative. “In the aftermath of the tsunami – a disaster on a scale not seen for decades – there were no outbreaks of disease and widespread hunger. This was averted thanks to a swift and decisive response and enough funding to get aid to where it was needed.” Now though, says Schaar, renewed energy for the years ahead is required. “We have the unique opportunity in tsunami-affected countries – due to the outpouring of generosity from all who gave to help – to rebuild safer communities and reduce risks if disaster strikes again,” he says. “We have only taken the first steps in what will be a very long process to rebuild the lives, livelihoods and economies of affected communities, who themselves must lead the fight back. Getting affected communities to decide what they want their reconstructed cities and towns to look like – working together – is a fundamental part of the healing process. We must not compromise on the principles that drive sustainable recovery: working with affected communities; providing aid equally; being patient while land title difficulties are resolved; and avoiding haste which forces piece-meal, poor quality outcomes.” While Red Cross Red Crescent emergency relief assistance continues for many of those displaced by the tsunami, the emphasis of humanitarian operations is increasingly focused on recovery and rehabilitation. Unprecedented levels of public support have allowed more than 30,000 Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers and staff to provide direct assistance to more than 1.7 million people. Plans have been finalized for ongoing relief work, and accelerating rehabilitation and recovery programs. These programmes will direct Red Cross Red Crescent operations in the affected region for the next five years. The sheer scale of the tsunami emergency presented major challenges to aid agencies and governments alike, and have brought into focus the importance of effective coordination in responding to natural disasters. “Improved coordination is necessary. The basic structures are in place, but need to be further developed.” says Schaar. “Emergency shelter is one key gap requiring good coordination as we have seen with many major natural disasters during 2005. Also, significant resource bottlenecks – shortages in labour and materials, and the risk of inflation as a result of competition for resources must be taken into account. Everything needs to happen simultaneously – roads, schools, hospitals, jobs and houses – the challenges of coordinating this work are enormous. Coordination complexities justify a new look at criteria for organizations to be part of international relief efforts, and that discussion is underway.” “Thus far the Federation, in conjunction with National Societies from affected countries and with assistance from dozens of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies from around the world, has eased suffering on a massive scale. Staff and volunteers have been working tirelessly in some of the most difficult circumstances imaginable. While there are still years of hard work in front of us, the response to the tsunami again shows us the spirit of volunteerism and tremendous solidarity from all over the world,” concluded Schaar. For further information, or to set up interviews, please contact: For further information, or to set up interviews (ISDN line available in Geneva), please contact: In Geneva: Pete Haydon, Tsunami Operations Media Officer Tel. + 41 79 308 9804 / +41 22 730 4426 Media Service, duty phone Tel. + 41 79 416 38 81 Information delegates in the tsunami-affected regions Virgil Grandfield, Indonesia Tel. + 62 812 10 48 207 Maude Froberg, Thailand Tel: + 66 182 39 218 Patrick Fuller, Sri Lanka Tel: + 94 77 350 2154 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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