Articles from the current issue
| Design is for life! |
| Issue 1 Oct 2007 - Articles | |
| Written by Jules Zaccak | |
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Page 1 of 2 Humanitarian crises are the outcome of natural disasters or armed
conflicts. All without warning; they can be a swift and ruthless
embrace that can bring a nation to its feet so that it is left only
with the choice to live or die. In the event of humanitarian crises; we acknowledge the distress call of those in need. At these unexpected times a challenge for survival is set and a positive response depends on mental agility and toughness. Help often comes at a great cost, much less then of human life; but many times, cost is the deciding factor. When disaster occurs, the steps in managing and saving lives is to mitigate, where prevention of more lives lost rates higher then “the clean up”. Disaster management deals with immediate action enacted by NGO’s and charitable organizations. This is voluntary work in the recognition of the Geneva Convention code of conduct. The Humanitarian imperative comes first The right to receive humanitarian assistance, and to offer it, is a fundamental humanitarian principle which should be enjoyed by all citizens of all countries. As members of the international community, we recognize our obligation to provide humanitarian assistance wherever it is needed. Hence the need for unimpeded access to affected populations, is of fundamental importance in exercising that responsibility. The prime motivation of our response to disaster is to alleviate human suffering amongst those least able to withstand the stress caused by disaster. When we give humanitarian aid it is not a partisan or political act and should not be viewed as such. As a result from decades of conflict and increased natural disaster, models have been formulated and put in place to instruct and guide in the steps of humanitarian aid. Primarily, the main needs that are always in demand and in very short supply are shelters and water, closely followed by food and clothing and for the long term; semi permanent shelter, continued food and water supplies. Underlying this, the continuing problem can be the re-education of living. |
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