Vania Cyclone, Vanuatu 2011: The delivery and distribution of disaster relief goods often requires the cooperation of regional partners.
By Helga-Bara Bragadottir
On 17-21 October, the IFRC participated in the 4th Annual Pacific Humanitarian Team Workshop organized by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Suva, Fiji.
Key IDRL issues were highlighted during the workshop, including through a two-day simulation exercise which reflected the current concerns of disaster response stakeholders throughout the Pacific region. During the simulation exercise, participants acted out role-play scenarios where they were able to share challenges and dilemmas, as well as best practices they had witnessed or experienced in relation to disaster response. This included issues regarding the initiation and request of international disaster assistance, as well as customs clearance of disaster relief goods.