Introduction

World Summit: Follow-up actions

Mechanisms for emergency response

Countries were urged to examine their arrangements for responding to natural disasters and man-made calamities, which were recognized by the World Summit as often affecting children and women most severely. Contingency plans for disaster preparedness were also called for, where they did not exist. The increasing complexity of many emergencies during the 1990s and the rising number of natural disasters, often with devastating and widespread consequences for children, have only reinforced the need for such mechanisms. National emergency systems must be dynamic and flexible - and have sufficient resources - to take account of the increasing levels of vulnerability caused by population density and environmental degradation.

Emergency management systems have now been put in place by virtually all countries, although their resource levels and capacities still vary widely. Bangladesh is an example of a highly disaster-prone country which has developed a well-functioning mechanism for early warning and response to deal with the yearly occurrence of flooding and other natural disasters, such as cyclones. China has also made notable progress in alleviating the effects of flooding on affected people. Botswana's effective system of drought relief has been maintained for at least two decades.

In countries where administrative decentralization has taken place, some provinces or states have developed stronger capacity than others, and strategies for disaster response may need to be adjusted accordingly. International response efforts have also grown in prominence, as seen in the Southern African Development Community (SADC), which has set up national and intercountry mechanisms. These have placed a strong focus on monitoring drought and displacement and relieving their effects on vulnerable families. SADC officials meet regularly and to some extent pool resources, as was shown in the region's response to flooding in 2000. However, information-sharing and early warning are seen as areas requiring more attention within Africa and elsewhere. Meanwhile, United Nations inter-agency teams have increased their support to national Governments in emergency preparedness and response, including in Nepal, Nigeria and Zimbabwe.

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