EU Training Module 2 - Introduction to Humanitarian Action, The Union Humanitarian Aid Policy, and the EU Aid Volunteers Initiative
Twofolded rationale behind the EU Aid Volunteers Initiative
- To generate a wide pool of well-trained people who could work for humanitarian organisations, to carry out actions in communities affected by disasters; and -To enable Europeans to contribute to humanitarian assistance in countries that are in need of help.
How many Syrian refugees were registered in Turkey in 2015?
2.3 million
Fragile state
(OECD, 2012): "A fragile region or state has weak capacity to carry out basic governance functions, and lacks the ability to develop mutually constructive relations with society. Fragile states are also more vulnerable to internal or external shocks such as economic crises or natural disasters. More resilient states exhibit the capacity and legitimacy of governing a population and its territory. They can manage and adapt to changing social needs and expectations, shifts in elite and other political agreements, and growing institutional complexity. Fragility and resilience should be seen as shifting points along a spectrum" OECD in its 2016 report on "States of Fragility (link is external)" is using five dimensions of fragility: Economic, Environmental, Political, Security, Societal Resilience is seen as a major part of our answer to fragility: helping build the capacity of states and societies to deal with increased risk and maintain or re-establish quickly their core functions after a shock. This reflects a change in perspective from how fragility was approached before: concentrating on the strengths that can be identified in states and societies and building on those rather than, as before, focusing on their weaknesses and seeking to identify and deliver a solution (which, if imposed from outside, usually does not work).
Who enjoy privileges and immunities under international law in the case of a disaster operation
- IFRC - UN Bodies - Consular and diplomatic officers Who does not: - National societies - NGOs -Military
Priorities of the EU Action Plan for Resilience
- Supporting the development and implementation of national resilience capacities -Promoting innovation, learning and advocacy -Improving methodologies and tools
Operational objectives of the EU AV initiative
-Contribute to increasing and improving the capacity of the Union to provide humanitarian aid; -Improve the skills, knowledge and competences of volunteers in the field of humanitarian aid and the terms and conditions of their engagement; -Build the capacity of hosting organisations and foster volunteering in third countries; -Communicate the Union's humanitarian aid principles agreed in the European Consensus on Humanitarian Aid; -Enhance coherence and consistency of volunteering across Member States in order to improve opportunities for Union citizens to participate in humanitarian aid activities and operations;
Personal benefits and positive results of volunteering
-Develop competences (via new skills or knowledge); - Create strong relationships and build character; - Promote personal growth and self-esteem; -Strengthen the community at large.
Type of actions to achieve the objectives of the EU AV initiative
-Development and maintenance of standards and procedures regarding candidate volunteers and EU Aid Volunteers; -Development and maintenance of a certification mechanism for sending and hosting organisations; -Identification and selection of candidate volunteers; -Establishment of a training programme and support for training and apprenticeship placements; -Establishment, maintenance and updating of a database of EU Aid Volunteers; -Deployment of EU Aid Volunteers to support and complement humanitarian aid in third countries; -Capacity building of hosting organisations; -Establishment and management of a network for the EU Aid Volunteers initiative; -Communication and awareness raising; -Ancillary activity that furthers the accountability, transparency and effectiveness of the EU Aid Volunteers initiative.
Key operational criteria were defined in 2010 for the EU AV initiative
-Responding to needs and avoiding harm (i.e. the volunteers must not deprive locals of jobs or opportunities); -Bringing added value while avoiding duplication or competition with similar initiatives; -Creating a conductive environment for volunteering; -Providing a remuneration and compensation scheme to volunteers; -Professionalisms (the need to train volunteers to be fit for purpose); -Strengthening local capacities; -Creating opportunities for online volunteering;
Guiding principles for the EU Aid Volunteers initiative
-Solidarity -Humanitarian principles -Professionalism and safety -Added value.
Amount of online EU aid volunteers by 2020
10.000
the European Consensus on Humanitarian Aid
2007, was also signed by the Council and European Parliament aiming at improving the coherence, effectiveness and quality of EU's humanitarian response.
SDGs
2015-2030 Main purpose: to end poverty, fight inequality and injustice, and tackle climate change by 2030. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), otherwise known as the Global Goals, are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity. These 17 Goals build on the successes of the Millennium Development Goals, while including new areas such as climate change, economic inequality, innovation, sustainable consumption, peace and justice, among other priorities. The goals are interconnected - often the key to success on one will involve tackling issues more commonly associated with another.
Amount of volunteers and NGO staff in host countries by 2020
4.400
Amount of EU Aid volunteers expected to be deployed by 2020
4000
How many Syrians were estimated to suffer from severe food insecurity in 2015?
6.8 million
When are candidate volunteers considered EU Aid Volunteers
After passing the assessment of the EU AV training programme
Legal basis for the European Voluntary Humanitarian Aid Corps
Article 214(5) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) The Article states that it shall "establish a framework for joint contributions from young Europeans to the humanitarian aid operations of the Union".
How are regional cooperation mechanisms established?
Binding bilateral and multilateral treaties
What is the key role played by the UN in case of emergencies
Coordination
DG ECHO partner organisations
DG ECHO has over 200 partner organisations throughout the world and these can be NGOs, international organisations (such as, UN, Red Cross, IOM, etc.) or specialised agencies of EU Member States.
The 'Action Plan for Resilience in Crisis Prone Countries 2013-2020'
EU Action plan, operationalises the Communication and sets the ways forward for a more effective EU collaborative action on building resilience, bringing together humanitarian action, long-term development cooperation and on-going political engagement. It outlines the steps to be undertaken for delivering early results and supports collecting best practice on effective support for populations in need. Priority is given to vulnerable countries that face recurrent crises and that are prone to risk.
INFORM
EU developed Global Open Source Risk Management for Humanitarian Crises and Disasters, the first global tool to measure the risk of humanitarian crises and help better prevent, mitigate and prepare for them.
What was the amount allocated by DG ECHO in 2015 to the Syria crisis?
EUR 377 million
An EU Ambassador's role
Each EU Aid volunteer is considered an 'ambassador' of the EU's humanitarian work in the country of deployment, as well as of the EU in general. When communicating on this topic please always be ready to: -Raise awareness about the EU Aid Volunteers initiative; -Inform interested parties about EU AV opportunities; -Promote EU values and principles; -Create a shared identity; -Engage with the public to generate support for volunteerism; -Demonstrate the added value and impact of the EU Aid Volunteers initiative;
When did DG ECHO resume its non-permanent presence in Damascus according to the HIP?
Early 2014
Financial decisions for humanitarian projects
Every year the European Commission adopts financial decisions which authorises DG ECHO to grant funding for humanitarian actions. These decisions contain details about the region of implementation, the humanitarian crises, general objectives and potential partners in providing assistance. Based on these decisions DG ECHO prepares and publishes 'Humanitarian Implementation Plans' or HIPs which contain detailed information about operational priorities.
HIPs
HIPs are published by DG ECHOS after the European Commission adopts a financial decision. HIPs can cover a country or group of countries. They also specify the key sectors to be addressed : Education in emergencies Food and nutrition; Health; Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH); Disaster risk reduction (DRR); Protection; Shelter; Refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs); Livelihoods; Linking relief, rehabilitation and development (LRRD); Resilience; Gender and Age; and Conflict prevention.
Immediate response
If a country is hit by a disaster and requires immediate assistance the EU together with Member States can coordinate a response via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. The mechanism was established in 2001 to foster cooperation among national civil protection authorities across Europe. Any country in the world can request this assistance and a response includes of a self-sufficient civil protection 'module' with a specialised role (e.g. a field hospital) and associated teams of experts. The Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) represents the operational body of the Mechanism.
Neutrality (RCRC)
In order to continue to enjoy the confidence of all, the Movement may not take sides in hostilities or engage at any time in controversies of a political, racial, religious or ideological nature.
Jus in bello
International Humanitarian Law, or jus in bello, is the law that governs the way in which warfare is conducted. IHL is purely humanitarian, seeking to limit the suffering caused. It is independent from questions about the justification or reasons for war, or its prevention, covered by jus ad bellum. •To limit the suffering caused by war. •Without considering the reasons for or legality of resorting to force. •Irrespective of the reasons for the conflict and whether or not the cause upheld by either party is just. Focuses on the effects of war irrespective of the question who started the war irrespective of the question who started the war and whether resort to armed force was justified or not.
International Humanitarian Law (IHL)
International humanitarian law is concerned with:Limiting the effects of war and protecting those who do not take part in the hostilities. International humanitarian law (IHL) is a set of rules that seeks for humanitarian reasons to limit the effects of armed conflict. IHL protects persons who are not or who are no longer participating in hostilities and it restricts means and methods of warfare. To protect men, women and children from some of the hard-ships inflicted during the stark reality of war. To strike a balance between legitimate military action and the humanitarian objective of reducing human suffering. The desire to diminish the evils of war. A careful balance between the principles of military necessity and humanity. IHL may be described as a set of rules that seek, for humanitarian reasons, to limit the effects of armed conflict by: -Protecting those who are not, or who are no longer, taking part in hostilities. -Regulating means and methods of warfare. Restrictions on the ability to destroy, the choice of weapons, and the means of waging war: what can be attacked, what weapons may be used, what precautions must be taken to reduce the number of civilian casualties, etc. The IHL and the Geneva Conventions treaties only apply to armed conflicts. they don't cover humanitarian assistance in natural disasters, unless the disaster happens to take place in the middles of war.
Voluntary Service (RCRC)
It is a voluntary relief movement not prompted in any manner by desire for gain.
impartiality (RCRC)
It makes no discrimination as to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinions. It endeavours to relieve the suffering of individuals, being guided solely by their needs, and to give priority to the most urgent cases of distress.
LRRD
Linking relief, rehabilitation and development. Linking short-term relief measures with longer term development programmes in order to create synergies and provide a more sustainable response to crisis situations.
What is the main reason why people choose to volunteer
Motivation. They can be motivated by different factors (and often a combination of these), including: Self-development (gaining life and professional experience, applying skills, etc.); Relational (building friendships, meeting new people, etc.); Passion (strong belief in a cause).
People in Aid Code of Good Practice
People in Aid Code of Good Practice is a management tool that helps humanitarian aid and development agencies enhance the quality of their human resources management. The Code of Good Practice comprises seven principles: 1. Human resources strategy. 2. Staff policies and practices. 3. Managing people. 4. Consultation and communication. 5. Recruitment and selection. 6. Learning, training and development. 7. Health, safety and security.
Which of the below statements best describes the access to shelter of refugees in Lebanon?
Refugees suffer from overcrowding and lack of available housing
Resilience, definition
Resilience is the ability of an individual, a household, a community, a country or a region to withstand, cope, adapt, and quickly recover from stresses and shocks such as violence, conflict, drought and other natural disasters without compromising long-term development.
What challenges are faced by the refugees from Jordan when trying to improve their livelihood?
Restrictions on access to the job market or healthcare and Irregular and illegal employment opportunities
Soft law
Soft law instruments are resolutions, declarations, codes and guidelines that have a high level of international standing, for instance, if they are adopted by the UN General Assembly. They are not legally binding on states but they have a high level of authority.
Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS Alliance)
The CHS Standard has nine commitments: 1. Humanitarian response is appropriate and relevant. 2. Humanitarian response is effective and timely. 3. Humanitarian response strengthens local capacities and avoids negative effects. 4. Humanitarian response is based on communication, participation and feedback. 5. Complaints are welcomed and addressed. 6. Humanitarian response is coordinated and complementary. 7. Humanitarian actors continuously learn and improve. 8. Staff are supported to do their job effectively, and are treated fairly and equitably. 9. Resources are managed and used responsibly for their intended purpose.
EU and resilience
The EU is placing resilience as a central objective of development and humanitarian assistance. To reduce humanitarian needs we must put people first, and allow them, especially children, to fulfil their full potential. We need to tackle the root causes of conflict, fragility and vulnerability, addressing under-nutrition and poverty. In 2012 the Commission presented its Communication: 'The EU Approach to Resilience - Learning from Food Security Crises' to confirm its strong commitment to building resilience in crisis-prone countries.
International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement
The IFRC, the National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (National Societies) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) together constitute the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
INGO Accountability charter
The INGO Accountability Charter is an initiative from international NGOs to demonstrate their commitment to a high standard of transparency, accountability and effectiveness. The Charter is a framework for INGOs defining principles of annual reporting. It also contains standards on governance, programme effectiveness, fundraising and other areas of NGOs' work. The ten INGO accountability commitments are: 1. Respect for Human Rights 2. Independence 3. Transparency 4. Good Governance 5. Responsible Advocacy 6. Participation 7. Diversity/Inclusion 8. Environmental Responsibility 9. Ethical Fundraising 10. Professional Management
Humanity (RCRC)
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, born of a desire to bring assistance without discrimination to the wounded on the battlefield, endeavours, in its international and national capacity, to prevent and alleviate human suffering wherever it may be found. Its purpose is to protect life and health and to ensure respect for the human being. It promotes mutual understanding, friendship, cooperation and lasting peace amongst all peoples
Universality (RCRC)
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, in which all Societies have equal status and share equal responsibilities and duties in helping each other, is worldwide.
Independence (RCRC)
The Movement is independent. The National Societies, while auxiliaries in the humanitarian services of their governments and subject to the laws of their respective countries, must always maintain their autonomy so that they may be able at all times to act in accordance with the principles of the Movement.
OCHA
The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is the only UN Agency responsible for coordinating the response to emergencies in times of crisis and manages the UN Central Emergency Response Fund or CERF. Since 2005 the UN works using the 'cluster approach' to deliver humanitarian aid where 11 working areas have been identified. One or more UN or non-UN organisations can be in charge of delivering humanitarian aid.
Sources of IHL
The four Geneva Conventions of 1949, together with the Hague Conventions of 1907 and customary international law, are the core sources of modern IHL. International Humanitarian Law is often broken down into two sub categories, referred to as "Hague Law" and "Geneva Law".
Unity (RCRC)
There can be only one Red Cross or one Red Crescent Society in any one country. It must be open to all. It must carry on its humanitarian work throughout its territory.
Which are the UN entities in charge of delivering humanitarian aid
UNDP; UNHCR; UNICEF and WFP
The overall objective of the EU AV initiative
contribute to strengthening the Union's capacity to provide needs-based humanitarian aid particularly in the areas of disaster prevention, preparedness and linking relief to rehabilitation and development
When the EU AV started
four years of development started in 2010, 12 pilot programmes were carried out between 2011-2013, and ended with an evaluation of the pilot actions in 2014.
The Sphere Principles and Minimum Standards
is one of the most widely known and internationally recognised sets of common principles and universal minimum standards in life-saving areas of humanitarian response. Six Core Standards Focussing on: 1. People-Centered Humanitarian Response 2. Coordination and Collaboration 3. Assessment 4. Design and response: The humanitarian response meets the assessed needs of the disaster-affected population in relation to context, the risks faced and the capacity of the affected people and state to cope and recover. 5. Perfomance, transparency and learning 6. Aid worker performance: Humanitarian agencies provide appropriate management, supervisory and psychosocial support Four protection princinples: 1. Avoid exposing people to further harm as a result of your actions. 2. Ensure people's access to impartial assistance. 3. Protect people from physical and psychological harm due to violence or coercion. 4. Assist with rights claims, access to remedies and recovery from abuse. Covers four life-saving sectors: - WASH - Food Security and nutrition - Shelter, settlement and NFI - Health action
International Disaster Response Laws, rules and principles (IDRL)
natural disasters at the moment have no legally binding set of regulations to govern the actions of those involved in aid and recovery. Given this protection gap, the IFRC is spearheading the push for a complete set of International Disaster Response Laws (IDRL), IFRC began its IDRL Programme in 2001. In 2007 IFRC presented the IDRL Guidelines. The IDRL Guidelines are recommendations to governments on how to best structure their domestic laws relating to disaster management. They are not legally binding. The purpose of IDRL is to contribute to national legal preparedness for international disaster assistance. The IDRL Guidelines are a set of recommendations to help governments ensure that their national laws and systems are ready to handle international disaster assistance
UN ESCAP
provides the intergovernmental platform for member States to address natural disaster challenges, discuss and adopt regional disaster risk reduction strategies that are integrated with an inclusive, sustainable development agenda for the Asia-Pacific region . To that end, ESCAP provides member States with high-quality analysis, strategies and policy options in disaster risk reduction
The Hague Law
regulating how armies should conduct themselves during hostilities
The Geneva Law
regulating issues of protection and how people in your power should be treated: - the First Geneva Convention (GCI) provides protection to wounded and sick - the Second Geneva Convention (GCII) provides protection to the wounded, sick and shipwrecked in armed conflicts at sea -Third Geneva Convention (GCIII) provided protections for Prisoners of War -the Fourth Geneva Convention (GCIV) provides protection to civilians in armed conflict, including those living under occupation.
The Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC)
represents the operational body of emergency response. It monitors emergencies around the world 24/7 and coordinates a response between participating states. Since 2001 the mechanism was activated more than 230 times and is focused on: Strengthening the European Emergency Response Capacity; Risk management planning; Filling the gaps in response capacity; Supporting the transport of assistance; Prevention and preparedness.
Jus ad bellum
the justification for resorting to war; the justice of war. Seeks to limit resort to force between States: •States must refrain from the threat or use of force. •Exceptions: Self-defence or a UN Security Council decision. Is the law prohibiting the resort to the use of force.
