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| Wednesday, 12 January 2005 |
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Suggestions to make relief operations more effective by Nishantha Kamaladasa, Director, Centre for Housing, Planning and Building There are numerous problems related to relief operations, especially as a disaster of this magnitude has not been experienced by us. There are few suggestions that would help to strengthen the relief operations. I presume that many people could add to these. Let us work together to overcome the current crisis, than blaming the people who are trying to do something (even though they may not be doing everything right). Reduce the congestion A camp that contains more than 200 people will be a place difficult to control and manage. There would be locations near the camps to which refugees can be distributed. This will enable people to know each other and there will be less congestion for many services, which will make life easier for refugees. Disperse the refugees in an organised manner to enable effective and efficient distribution of relief. In reducing congestion, dispersion can be done, so that people having the same needs are clustered. - Families having infants This will enable special relief operations including distribution of special goods, such as infant milk, books, stationery, etc., without getting those into hands of others. Registering refugees Once the initial dispersion is done, people can be registered and given a relief card, where the reliefs obtained are marked. Cards can be of different natures based on the nature of the family. (See the above classification). This will enable the camp management to identify the camp inmates from the rest and will be able to ensure everyone gets a fair deal, based on their actual requirements. Participation of refugees Refugee camp management can be organised in such a way that people's participation is obtained for decision-making, collecting information, distribution of relief, arranging other requirements of refugees, such as medical, counselling, etc. and even in subsequent relocation and resettlement processes. It is suggested that following sub-committees be formed. - Food The committees will work with outside agencies that might approach the camps and also will try to seek assistance from outside when they are incapable of doing same by themselves. They will collaborate with whatever mechanisms (Government machinery or other charity arrangements) already set up in the camps, and work under those authorities. This will ease the burden on the camp management. Refugees will also feel that they are being recognised, which is essential to elevate their lost pride and dignity. Set of values It would be necessary to formulate a set of values that all organisations involved in the relief work should adhere to. Those can include following: - Not using this calamity for gaining personal or organisation advantage other than that comes naturally by the acts of good faith - Not going into confrontation with each other, engage in relief work - Always work in conjunction with the camp management before approaching the refugees directly - Consider the health and well being of the refugees above every other thing - Be considerate about the refugees and honour their dignity. This will reduce conflicts and create a pleasant environment for everyone to work. |
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