DOCSLIB.ORG

Equality in Aid: Addressing Caste Discrimination in Humanitarian

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Equality in Aid: Addressing Caste Discrimination in Humanitarian Equality in aid Addressing Caste Discrimination in Humanitarian Response 2 Foreword by Claus H. Sørensen, Director-General, ECHO 3 Introduction 4 Caste-based discrimination in disaster prevention and response 6 International frameworks and state accountability 8 Building on good practices in addressing caste discrimination 12 Conclusion 13 Recommendations 16 Annex · Tools and methods for inclusive programming 18 References 19 Notes 20 About this report September 2013 International Dalit Solidarity Network WORKING GLOBALLY AGAINST CASTE DISCRIMINATION Front page: The village of Ambedkar Nagar in the Indian state of Bihar is inhabited exclusively by Dalits who moved here to escape caste discrimination in their former settlement. The villagers struggle with flooding several months every year. In 2007, when this picture was taken, they survived a week on the roofs of their huts with no food. They received no government aid, a scenario all too typical when Dalits are hit by Foreword humanitarian disasters. EU humanitarian aid is accorded to victims without discrimination Acknowledgements on the grounds of race, ethnic group, religion, sex, age, nationality “Equality in Aid – Addressing Caste or political affiliation, solely according to needs and paying Discrimination in Humanitarian particular attention to the most vulnerable. Response” is an outcome of an EU- The European Commission has demonstrated over the years funded initiative by the International how humanitarian initiatives can effectively address gaps and Dalit Solidarity Network (IDSN). inequalities in vulnerability by ensuring that such initiatives The report presents recommendations specifically take into account, and are targeted to, the needs of and specific guidelines to humanitarian excluded persons and groups. Those who are most vulnerable stakeholders on how to prevent caste and marginalised need primary attention when a disaster strikes, discrimination in disaster risk reduction both because the impact of the disaster is likely to be higher on and response. It draws on the findings them than others, and because of the likelihood that they find and recommendations from “Addressing themselves excluded from response and recovery efforts. Caste Discrimination in Humanitarian Response” – a comprehensive case By systematically addressing in each action the inclusion of those study by National Dalit Watch-National who are marginalised (in particular, persons affected by caste Campaign on Dalit Human Rights and discrimination, minorities, as well as persons with disabilities, partnering organisations in India in women, and the elderly), lives have been saved, the suffering of 2012. The remarkable work of these those in need has been alleviated, and their dignity protected. organisations, agencies and activists is acknowledged with appreciation. More remains to be done to ensure that equality in humanitarian response overall is achieved. I would like to commend the The briefing has also benefited from International Dalit Solidarity Network for having identified clear the insights of humanitarian aid, human rights and development professionals, recommendations for how to achieve this in the context of caste as well as researchers, who commented discrimination, which can feed into identifying appropriate tools on the draft report. Special thanks are and methodologies for inclusive programming. due to Katherine Nightingale as the main author of the report and to Lee Claus H. Sørensen Macqueen, Prasad Chacko, Tim Gill, Director-General Tudor Silva, Samuel Marie-Fanon, Anand European Commission Bolimera Kumar and Katia Chirizzi for Directorate General for Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection their advice. (ECHO) The International Dalit Solidarity Network is grateful for the financial support provided by the European Union and DanChurchAid to the project and acknowledges the European Commission Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection Department (ECHO) for its constructive engagement in the process. Rikke Nöhrlind Coordinator, International Dalit Solidarity Network 2 3 Introduction Disasters do not affect everyone equally. People who are most and policies, discriminatory practices remain ingrained in society, as vulnerable and exposed to natural and man-made hazards are hit implementation continues to be inconsistent and often extremely hardest when disaster strikes. Without proper attention the same weak. This failure to meaningfully uphold laws and to adhere to structures and systems that make them vulnerable and exposed national and international provisions on non-discrimination not only can leave them marginalised or excluded from emergency aid and makes Dalits more vulnerable to disasters, but also impacts on their recovery. access to aid and recovery in emergency response. This is a significant lesson that has been learned from emergency While the state is the primary duty bearer in fulfilling human rights responses in South Asia and beyond. Experience from the 2001 obligations within its borders, also in disaster situations, NGOs, UN Gujarat earthquake, the 2004 Asian Tsunami, and the flooding in agencies and international donors assisting in disaster risk reduction Nepal in 2008, the Indian states of Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and response have a responsibility to respect human rights and Assam during 2007-2009, and Pakistan in 20101 has shown obligations. An adequate response to such obligations includes that Dalits – the so-called ‘untouchables’ at the bottom of the caste addressing caste-based discrimination. Therefore all stakeholders system – are frequently the worst affected. Nevertheless, they are involved in providing humanitarian assistance in caste-affected often systematically excluded from relief and recovery efforts due to countries are called upon to follow the recommendations and their inherent socio-economic vulnerability. guidelines outlined in this report. Caste-based discrimination, in UN terminology also recognised as Caste discrimination is a violation of international human rights discrimination based on work and descent2, results from hierarchical law, inherently contradicting the universal principles of non- caste systems that practise discrimination and exclusion founded discrimination, dignity and equality. UN human rights bodies on notions of purity, pollution and graded inequality. Caste-based continuously raise their concerns and urge governments to take discrimination is widespread in South Asia, but exists across the action in accordance with the draft UN guidelines for the elimination globe in countries like Nigeria, Senegal, Mauritania, Yemen and Japan of caste discrimination, which also stipulate specific measures to with 260 million people reportedly affected worldwide. Due to their address the problem in situations of humanitarian crises.6 inherited social status, Dalits and similarly affected people continue This form of discrimination is also directly contrary to the to be exposed to a wide range of human rights violations and humanitarian principles of impartiality, humanity, neutrality and multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination.3 independence that underpin the standards for international The Dalits of South Asia constitute the majority of victims facing this humanitarian aid. Despite this, however, efforts by humanitarian form of structural discrimination, which leads to marginalisation, actors involved in preventing and responding to disasters have social and economic exclusion and limited access to basic services, failed to adequately address caste discrimination in disaster including water and sanitation. Discriminatory practices include prevention, response and recovery. In order to understand why physical and social segregation, restrictions on occupation or and how this continues to be the case, a comprehensive study was enforcement of certain types of menial jobs as well as widespread undertaken by National Dalit Watch to investigate the nature, causes caste-based violence. and consequences of caste-based discrimination in emergency assistance, and develop recommendations. Dalits are more vulnerable to both natural and human-made disasters compared to non-Dalits due to their marginalised social position; the The research process included a review of studies from emergency location of their homes, usually in marginal lands in the periphery flood responses across India from 2007-20107, an in-depth case of settlements; their vulnerable occupations, such as rubbish and study on disaster prevention and response in India8, two national sewage disposal, casual farm labour and lagoon fishing; and the consultations organised by the National Campaign on Dalit Human nature of their housing – Dalits often have little or no land rights. Rights and Sphere India in 2010 and 20119, and a workshop on the topic at an international consultation on good practices and Evidence from Sri Lanka has highlighted that this vulnerability may strategies to eliminate caste-based discrimination, organised by the also apply to man-made disasters like displacement due to conflict, International Dalit Solidarity Network in December 2011.10 where the majority of long-term IDPs unable to escape cycles of poverty and displacement dependence were lower castes subjected This report presents the findings of this research into the effect to historic caste exclusion.4 of caste-based discrimination in humanitarian aid and why it continues to be a consistent problem in emergency programming. It is also evident from case studies that where policies
Load more

Recommended publications
  • India's Imperative for Jobs, Growth, and Effective Basic Services
    McKinsey Global Institute McKinsey Global Institute From poverty imperativeFrom for jobs, growth, empowerment: and to effective India’s basic services February 2014 From poverty to empowerment: India’s imperative for jobs, growth, and effective basic services The McKinsey Global Institute The McKinsey Global Institute (MGI), the business and economics research arm of McKinsey & Company, was established in 1990 to develop a deeper understanding of the evolving global economy. Our goal is to provide leaders in the commercial, public, and social sectors with the facts and insights on which to base management and policy decisions. MGI research combines the disciplines of economics and management, employing the analytical tools of economics with the insights of business leaders. Our “micro-to-macro” methodology examines microeconomic industry trends to better understand the broad macroeconomic forces affecting business strategy and public policy. MGI’s in-depth reports have covered more than 20 countries and 30 industries. Current research focuses on six themes: productivity and growth; natural resources; labor markets; the evolution of global financial markets; the economic impact of technology and innovation; and urbanization. Recent reports have assessed job creation, resource productivity, cities of the future, the economic impact of the Internet, and the future of manufacturing. MGI is led by three McKinsey & Company directors: Richard Dobbs, James Manyika, and Jonathan Woetzel. Michael Chui, Susan Lund, and Jaana Remes serve as MGI partners. Project teams are led by the MGI partners and a group of senior fellows, and include consultants from McKinsey & Company’s offices around the world. These teams draw on McKinsey & Company’s global network of partners and industry and management experts.
    [Show full text]
  • India in Figures
    CONTENTS SL Chapter Page No. 1 Demographic Profile 1-2 2 Economic Development 3-5 3 Poverty Eradication and Social Protection 6-7 4 Infrastructure Development & Housing for all 8-10 5 Agricultural Development 11-12 6 Energy 13 7 Environment and Climate Change 14-16 8 Education for All 17-18 9 Health, Hygiene and Sanitation 19-20 10 Work and Employment 21 11 Millennium Development Goals 22-28 i Table Index Table Title Page No. No. 1.1 Statement on Vital Statistics during 2005 – 2016 1 1.2 Population by Gender, Schedule Caste (SCs) & Schedule 2 Tribe (STs), Sex Ratio and Decadal Population Growth as per Population Censuses A. Decennial population (in crore) by gender and Area during 1991-2011 B. Scheduled Castes (SCs) & Scheduled Tribes(STs) population and their percentage share during 1991 -2011 C. Sex Ratio (females/’000 males) by rural & urban during 1991 -2011 D. Percentage Decadal Population Growth during 1981-91 to 2001-11 2.1 Annual Growth Rate of GDP (adjusted to price changes) 3 per capita 2.2 Annual Estimates of GDP at Current Prices, 2011-12 3 Series 2.3 Annual Estimates of GDP at Constant Prices, 2011-12 4 Series 2.4 Progress made under Financial Inclusion Plans – as on 4 31st March 3.1 National Poverty Estimates (% below poverty line) (1993 6 – 2012) 3.2 Poverty Gap Ratio(MRP Consumption Distribution) 6 3.3 Employment generated under MGNREGA 6 4.1 Statement on Households and Population in India during 8 1991 -2011 4.2 Road Network by Categories (in kilometers) 8 iii 4.3 Freight and Passenger Movement 9-10 (A) By Road Transport:
    [Show full text]
  • Dan Church Aid INTERNATIONAL REPORT 2019
    INTERNATIONAL Dan REPORT Church 2019 Aid September 2020 INTERNATIONAL REPORT 2019 [ 1 ] [ Malawi / Bax Lindhardt ] Abbreviations 2 05 Programme Results 19 01 Introduction 4 06 Partnership for Change 53 02 DCA in Numbers and 07 DCA’s Engagement in Denmark 61 Financial Management 7 08 Achieving Change through 03 Audits, Assessments and Reviews 13 Cross-Cutting Commitments 65 04 Organisational and Contextual Changes 15 09 Quality Management 71 [ 2 ] INTERNATIONAL REPORT 2019 Abbreviations ACT Action by Churches Together EU European Union BHR Business & Human Rights FCS Food Consumption Score C4C Charter for Change GBV Gender Based Violence CAR Central African Republic GDP Gross Domestic Product CBO Community Based Organisation GPDR Global Partnership and Donor Relations CD Capacity Development GRF Global Results Framework CDMC Community Disaster Management Committees HR Human Resources CEDAW UN Committee on All Forms of Discrimination HRF Humanitarian Response Forum Against Women HRBA Human Rights-Based Approach CHS Core Humanitarian Standard HRMA Humanitarian Response and Mine Action CO Country Office HRDs Human Rights Defenders CoP Community of Practice HQ Headquarters / Head office CP Country Programme HTP Harmful Traditional Practices CRM Customer Relationship Management IATI International aid Transparency Initiative CSO Civil Society Organisation ICT Information and Communications Technology CSI Coping Strategy Index IDPs Internal Displaced People CSW Commission of the Status of Women IED Improvised Explosive Device CTCP Counter-Terrorism
    [Show full text]
  • The Sphere Project
    ;OL :WOLYL 7YVQLJ[ +XPDQLWDULDQ&KDUWHUDQG0LQLPXP 6WDQGDUGVLQ+XPDQLWDULDQ5HVSRQVH ;OL:WOLYL7YVQLJ[ 7KHULJKWWROLIHZLWKGLJQLW\ ;OL:WOLYL7YVQLJ[PZHUPUP[PH[P]L[VKL[LYTPULHUK WYVTV[LZ[HUKHYKZI`^OPJO[OLNSVIHSJVTT\UP[` /\THUP[HYPHU*OHY[LY YLZWVUKZ[V[OLWSPNO[VMWLVWSLHMMLJ[LKI`KPZHZ[LYZ /\THUP[HYPHU >P[O[OPZ/HUKIVVR:WOLYLPZ^VYRPUNMVYH^VYSKPU^OPJO [OLYPNO[VMHSSWLVWSLHMMLJ[LKI`KPZHZ[LYZ[VYLLZ[HISPZO[OLPY *OHY[LYHUK SP]LZHUKSP]LSPOVVKZPZYLJVNUPZLKHUKHJ[LK\WVUPU^H`Z[OH[ YLZWLJ[[OLPY]VPJLHUKWYVTV[L[OLPYKPNUP[`HUKZLJ\YP[` 4PUPT\T:[HUKHYKZ This Handbook contains: PU/\THUP[HYPHU (/\THUP[HYPHU*OHY[LY!SLNHSHUKTVYHSWYPUJPWSLZ^OPJO HUK YLÅLJ[[OLYPNO[ZVMKPZHZ[LYHMMLJ[LKWVW\SH[PVUZ 4PUPT\T:[HUKHYKZPU/\THUP[HYPHU9LZWVUZL 9LZWVUZL 7YV[LJ[PVU7YPUJPWSLZ *VYL:[HUKHYKZHUKTPUPT\TZ[HUKHYKZPUMV\YRL`SPMLZH]PUN O\THUP[HYPHUZLJ[VYZ!>H[LYZ\WWS`ZHUP[H[PVUHUKO`NPLUL WYVTV[PVU"-VVKZLJ\YP[`HUKU\[YP[PVU":OLS[LYZL[[SLTLU[HUK UVUMVVKP[LTZ"/LHS[OHJ[PVU;OL`KLZJYPILwhat needs to be achieved in a humanitarian response in order for disaster- affected populations to survive and recover in stable conditions and with dignity. ;OL:WOLYL/HUKIVVRLUQV`ZIYVHKV^ULYZOPWI`HNLUJPLZHUK PUKP]PK\HSZVMMLYPUN[OLO\THUP[HYPHUZLJ[VYH common language for working together towards quality and accountability in disaster and conflict situations ;OL:WOLYL/HUKIVVROHZHU\TILYVMºJVTWHUPVU Z[HUKHYKZ»L_[LUKPUNP[ZZJVWLPUYLZWVUZL[VULLKZ[OH[ OH]LLTLYNLK^P[OPU[OLO\THUP[HYPHUZLJ[VY ;OL:WOLYL7YVQLJ[^HZPUP[PH[LKPU I`HU\TILY VMO\THUP[HYPHU5.6ZHUK[OL9LK*YVZZHUK 9LK*YLZJLU[4V]LTLU[ ,+0;065 7KHB6SKHUHB3URMHFWBFRYHUBHQBLQGG The Sphere Project Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Humanitarian Response Published by: The Sphere Project Copyright@The Sphere Project 2011 Email: [email protected] Website : www.sphereproject.org The Sphere Project was initiated in 1997 by a group of NGOs and the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement to develop a set of universal minimum standards in core areas of humanitarian response: the Sphere Handbook.
    [Show full text]
  • Rural Poverty in India: Structure, Determinants and Suggestions for Policy Reform
    Rural Poverty in India: Structure, determinants and suggestions for policy reform Raghbendra Jha ABSTRACT Poverty, particularly rural poverty, has been one of the enduring policy challenges in India. Surely the most important objective of the reforms process would have been to make a significant dent on rural poverty. It is from this that a program of accelerated growth must draw its rationale. In this paper, I discuss the evolution of poverty in India – particularly during the reform period. Then I analyze the structure and determinants of this poverty. The rate of decline of poverty declined during the 1990s as compared to the 1980s. I advance some reasons for this. Policy prescriptions for a more effective anti poverty strategy are discussed. All correspondence to: Raghbendra Jha, Australia South Asia Research Centre, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200 Fax: + 61 2 61250443 Phone: + 61 2 6125 2683 Email: [email protected] 1 I. Introduction This paper addresses the important issue of anti-poverty policy in India. In analyzing poverty I use the well-known NSS data set; hence concentrating on consumption measures of poverty. The poverty measures used in this paper are all drawn from the popular Foster-Greer- Thorbecke class of functions written as: = − α Yα ∑[(z yi ) / z] / n (1) < yi z where Y is the measure of poverty, yi is the consumption of the ith household or the ith class of household, z is the poverty line1, n is the population size, and α is a non-negative parameter. The headcount ratio, HC, given by the percentage of the population who are poor is obtained when α=0.
    [Show full text]
  • Burning Injustice a Rights Advocacy Manual for Lawyers, Activists & Survivors on Acid Violence in India
    BURNING INJUSTICE A RIGHTS ADVOCACY MANUAL FOR LAWYERS, ACTIVISTS & SURVIVORS ON ACID VIOLENCE IN INDIA EDITED BY KERRY MCBROOM AND SALINA WILSON Human Rights Law Network BURNING INJUSTICE: A Rights Advocacy Manual for Lawyers, Activists and Survivors on Acid Violence in India © Socio Legal Information Centre* ISBN: 81-89479-88-1 August 2014 Edited by Kerry McBroom and Salina Wilson Copy-editing Andrew Kirtley and Gilli Paveley Cover photograph Salina Wilson Cover Design Unnikrishnan Manikoth Book Design Ritu Aggarwal Published by Human Rights Law Network (HRLN) A division of Socio Legal Information Centre 576 Masjid Road, Jangpura- 110014 Ph: +91 1124379855 Website: www.hrln.org Supported by Designed Printed by Kalpana Printographics Shakarpur, Delhi-110092 *Any section of this volume may be reproduced without prior permission from the Human Rights Law Network for the interest of the public with appropriate acknowledgement. To all survivors, victims and their families For their undying spirit and Courage to fight Acknowledgements HRLN would sincerely like to thank Eileen Fisher for her support of our Women’ Justice Initiative. Her contributions have bolstered our advocacy on acid attacks and made it possible to ensure justice for survivors and their families. We would also like to thank Adv. Colin Gonsalves for his continued support to our legal and advocacy work related to acid attacks. HRLN also extends its gratitude to our interns Pious Pavi Ahuja, Caroline Pierrey, Nitika Khaitan, Osama Salman, Jennifer Li, Andrew Kirtley, and Gilli Paveley whose research, fact-findings, and legal drafting have made immense contributions to HRLN’s acid attack work. The activists who assist acid attack survivors and bring cases make justice a reality.
    [Show full text]
  • Central African Republic
    Central African Republic OPERATIONAL CONTEXT: The Central African Republic (CAR) is home to the third largest humanitarian crisis in the world. Over half of the population needs humanitarian assistance, and 1.7 million people are in a severely precarious situation. Violence against civilians, and humanitarian workers, is still high. Combined with the extremely limited number of paved roads, and infrastructure generally, Central Africans continue to endure the many nefarious effects of a complex and severe humanitarian crisis. Recent attacks in the prefectures of Vakaga, Bamingui Bangoran and Haute Kotto have increased movement of population. According to the report of Commission of Displaced Population, the number has increased as of May 2020 to 484,004 internally displaces persons; 247,333 are living in sites and 236,671 in host families. As of August 31, 2020, UNHCR statistics show that the number of Central African refugees in neighbouring countries reached 613,295. WHAT WE DO: DCA CAR seeks to contribute to a Central African Republic where, as a result of the dynamic and accountable engagement of civil society, democratic authorities, and a responsible private sector, all communities live in peace, have access to their rights, and benefit in an equitable and inclusive manner from socio-economic resources, taking into consideration of environment protection. This is achieved at, multiple level: The individual level, DCA supports the population through basic FACTS: psychosocial support services. ● DCA has operated in CAR since 2015. ● Office in Country: DCA’s Country Office in CAR is located in Bangui on the Community level, DCA supports and capacitates the civil society including local NGOs, community-based address: Relais SICA1 - rue d’Uzes, no 1.087 (rue en face de I ’école Galaxy), organizations, farmers’, women’s, and youth groups.
    [Show full text]
  • The State of the Humanitarian System Effective, and Predictable
    The humanitarian system has a fundamental responsibility to continually assess its ability to save lives and alleviate human suffering. The IFRC, as a global network, shares many of the issues and challenges identified by this initiative. I welcome this report for its ambition to THE STATE OF THE assess overall achievements on a regular basis and believe it will help individual organizations and networks to reflect on and improve their own performance. We have learned from our participation in the initiative and we hope it will continue to grow and strengthen over the HUMANITARIAN SYSTEM years to come. Bekele Geleta, Secretary General of the IFRC Assessing performance and progress I warmly welcome this first State of the Humanitarian System report because it shows deep A pilot study commitment towards self improvement within the humanitarian system. I encourage this effort to be sustained over time so that it can gradually live up to its potential to further improve the quality of services provided by all humanitarian actors. The ICRC remains committed to lead its own self improvement and to contribute to that of the humanitarian system as a whole. Angelo Gnaedinger, Director General of the ICRC Thanks to the collective efforts by members of the humanitarian community over the past five years, the humanitarian system has made significant strides in becoming increasingly rapid, SYSTEM HUMANITARIAN THE OF STATE THE effective, and predictable. That said, much more still needs to be done. ALNAP’s first State of the Humanitarian System report is unique in its scope and well researched. Findings such as these will contribute to the humanitarian community’s collective efforts to take stock of where we stand, face up to global challenges, and to decide how we can make more difference to the lives of people affected by emergencies.
    [Show full text]
  • UNHCR Handbook for Emergencies Emergencies
    Handbook for UNHCR Handbook for Emergencies Emergencies United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Case postale 2500 CH-1211 Genève 2 Dépôt Third Edition Comments on the Handbook for Emergencies and requests for additional Copies should be addressed to: The Emergency Preparedness and Response Section UNHCR Headquarters Case Postale 2500 CH – 1211 Genève 2 Dépôt Switzerland Téléphone: + 41 22 739 83 01 Fax: + 41 22 739 73 01 Email: [email protected] Handbook for Emergencies © United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Geneva Third Edition February, 2007 ISBN This document is issued by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees for general distribution. All rights are reserved. Reproduction is authorized, except for commercial purposes, provided UNHCR is acknowledged. I Using the Handbook II Chapters may be located quickly by using the key on the contents page. Particular subjects may be located by using the index. The handbook is structured as follows: Section One summarizes UNHCR’s mandate of international protecdtion and the aim and principles of emergency response; Section Two deals with emergency management; Section Three covers the vital sectors and problem areas in refugee emergencies, including health, food, sanitation and water, as well as key field activities underpinning the operations such as logistics, community services and registration. The chapters in this section start with a summary so that readers, who might not need the full level of detail in each of these chapters, can understand the basic
    [Show full text]
  • Ecb Project Case Study
    ECB PROJECT CASE STUDY NGOs traditionally compete for funds; what happens when they join forces to raise money together? Catherine Gould and Katy Love September 2011 1 The big NGOs traditionally compete for funds; what happens when they join forces to raise money together? 1. Six NGOs began with $5 million in the bank; and $7 million still to find… CARE International, Catholic Relief Services (CRS), Mercy Corps, Oxfam, Save the Children, and World Vision International have come together in a unique collaboration to build field, agency, and sector level emergency preparedness and response capacity. The Emergency Capacity Building (ECB) Project aims to improve the speed, quality, and effectiveness of the humanitarian community in saving lives, improving welfare, and protecting the rights of people in emergency situations. In 2008, following a first phase of the ECB Project, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation accepted a proposal from the six NGOs worth $12.3 million for a further five‐year joint programme. Stepping outside their traditional grantmaking strategy to support this innovative project, the Gates Foundation provided $5 million of core funding and the agencies pledged to fundraise together the remaining $7.3 million. While CARE USA manages the contract with the Gates Foundation, the other five agencies signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) outlining the project’s management structure and ways of working for the five‐year joint venture. This case study recounts the agencies’ attempts to together close the $7.3 million funding gap, while launching and sustaining a $12 million programme. Three years in, the ECB Project is almost fully funded, but it has not always been a smooth journey… 2.
    [Show full text]
  • Simulations in the Humanitarian Sector; the ECB Simulation Initiative
    Simulations in the humanitarian sector; the ECB Simulation Initiative Connections UK 4th September 2013 www.ecbproject.org What is the ECB Project? _________________________________________________________________ • The Emergency Capacity Building Project •5 year collaboration amongst six of the worlds largest international non-governmental organisations •Improve the speed, quality and effectiveness of emergency response through targeted staff capacity building initiatives (national level) •Phase II runs from 2008 - 2013 What is capacity building? _________________________________________________________________ • An individual skill or organisational improvement process such as; -A self guided learning process -Training, workshops, meetings or seminars -Coaching or mentoring -Undertaking (and acting on) evaluations / AARs -Joint actions -Recruiting more staff -Simulations How do simulations build capacity? _________________________________________________________________ • Simulations provide an excellent opportunity to -Build relationships, -Test individual competencies -Provide a safe learning space for participants to try out new behaviours or approaches -Lead to organisational or individual improvements •Simulations provide staff a safe space to succeed (and fail) Why do we need to build capacity? _________________________________________________________________ •Disasters are increasing in frequency and intensity (Feinstein Centre and UNEP) •UN estimates by 2025, 50% of the worlds population will live in disaster prone locations
    [Show full text]
  • The Lutheran World Federation
    The Lutheran World Federation The LWF is a global communion of Christian churches in the Lutheran tradition. Founded in 1947 in Lund (Sweden), the LWF now has 131 member churches in 72 countries repre- senting over 60.2 million of the nearly 64 million Lutherans worldwide. The LWF acts on behalf of its member churches in areas of common interest such as ecumenical relations, theology, humanitarian assistance, human rights, communication, and the various aspects of mission and development work. Its secretariat is located in Geneva, Switzerland. The Lutheran World Federation / Department for World Service operates programmes in relief, rehabilitation and development in 24 countries. Its man- date is the expression of Christian care to people in need irrespective of race, sex, creed, nationality, religious or political conviction. Lutheran World Federation Phone: (+41-22) 791 61 11 Department for World Service Fax: (+41-22) 798 86 16 150, Route de Ferney PO Box 2100 CH-1211 Geneva 2 Switzerland ACT International is a world-wide network of Churches and their related agencies meeting human need through a coordinated emergency response and a common identity. The ACT network is based in the Lutheran World Federation and the World Council of Churches in Geneva and is a coordinating, rather than an operational, office whose primary functions are to ensure:- ¨ Events that may lead to an emergency intervention are monitored ¨ Rapid Assessment ¨ Coordinated fund-raising ¨ Reporting ¨ Communication and Information flow ¨ Emergency Preparedness ACT represents a move towards coordination and streamlining of existing structures. It is able to meet urgent requests to assist vulnerable groups during sudden emergencies that result from natural or human causes.
    [Show full text]