Implementation of minimum standards in disaster response stressed

KOHALPUR, Dec 3: Emphasis has been given on the implementation of minimum humanitarian standards in disaster response efforts. Participants of a training programme on humanitarian standards organized here by the National Disaster Risk Reduction Center (NDRC) were of the view that it was essential to enhance the knowledge, skills and efficiency of government, non-government and private organisations working in the humanitarian service sector.

The programme was supported by the Asian Preparedness Partnership (APP). Inaugurating the programme, APP national representative Man Thapa talked about global endevours in regard with minimum standards required in disaster relief and rescue operations and works that Nepal was expected to launch in the related field. He said, “As Nepal is highly vulnerable to natural disasters, the basic humanitarian aspects of the affected community should be assimilated.”

A total of 35 representatives from Lumbini, Karnali, and Sudur Paschim Provinces attended the three-day event which discussed about theoretical and applied knowledge about disaster, related guidelines and standards issued by government bodies, and practices implemented by several countries. Disaster expert Sunil Shakya facilitated the session on the minimum humanitarian standards and the 'Sphere standards'.

It may be noted that the Sphere Project known as the Sphere aims to enhance the quality of assistance provided to people affected by disasters, and to enhance the accountability of the humanitarian system in disaster response human rescue efforts. It was launched in 1997. NDRC programme director Suresh Thapa and programme officer Krishna Ghimire were the facilitators of the programme while Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS) Chief Reporter Krishna Adhikari briefed the gathering about the implementation of minimum human standards during the rescue and relief efforts following the Melamchi flood in June