Recent experience has shown that even the best prepared governments may need international support when a major disasters strike. Unfortunately, few governments have adequate systems in place to facilitate and regulate outside relief.
After years of intensive research and consultations on problems and best practice in the regulation of international disaster relief, the IFRC spearheaded negotiations to develop a new set of international guidelines to help governments strengthen their domestic laws and policies.
On 30 November 2007, the state parties to the Geneva Conventions and the International Red Cross Red Crescent Movement unanimously adopted the “Guidelines for the domestic facilitation and regulation of international disaster relief and initial recovery assistance” (the “IDRL Guidelines”) at the 30th International Conference of the Movement. In 2008, the UN General Assembly adopted three resolutions (Res. 63/139, 63/141, and 63/137) encouraging states to make use of them.
The IDRL Guidelines are meant to assist governments to become better prepared for the common legal problems in international response operations. Using the Guidelines, governments can avoid needless delays in the dissemination of humanitarian relief while at the same time ensuring better coordination and quality of the assistance provided.