Mechanism to reach out to the vulnerable
Workshop stresses the need for decision makers to act in the interest of insecure people.
Speakers at a humanitarian diplomacy workshop stressed the need for decision makers and opinion leaders to act in the interest of vulnerable people, said a press release issued by the Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS).
This, they stated is the key to resource mobilisation during any disaster with full respect for the fundamental humanitarian principles. The workshop was organised in collaboration with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).
While speaking on the occasion, PRCS Chairperson Senator Nilofar Bakhtiar said that humanitarian diplomacy can help support the vulnerable in a much effective manner and the humanitarian organisation should focus more on this subject. She said that the PRCS in collaboration with IFRC will hold humanitarian diplomacy sessions for the parliamentarians for their key role in an effective humanitarian response during any disaster.
PRCS Acting Secretary General Ateeb Siddique said that humanitarian diplomacy is about a change of mindset. It needs to be a part of daily work within all National Societies.
PRCS Humanitarian Diplomacy Delegate Surrien Peris stated that Sphere Charter is the need of hour in the current scenario and there should be NGO Code of Conduct for Disaster Relief based checklist for disaster managers and health professionals.
He said Code of Good Practice for NGOs responding to HIV/AIDs and Principles and Rules for RCRC Disaster Relief. He said the Hyogo Framework offers guiding principles, priorities for action, and practical means for achieving disaster resilience for vulnerable communities.
Inter-Agency Standing Committees Guidelines for Protecting Persons Affected by Natural Disasters: Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 8th, 2012.