Topic 7: Preparing for departure
Overview
Response to complex emergencies, particularly those triggered by violent conflict, oftentimes consist of deployment of humanitarian practitioners alongside with military action. In these situations, coupled with the changing nature of conflict and the post-9/11 global political landscape, the humanitarian operating environment is observed to be increasingly complicated by professional aid organisations including those from the United Nations System. From the perspective of aid worker security, there is ample evidence that humanitarian space is indeed diminishing.
Getting prepared for a deployment in complex emergencies is not easy. No matter what information you have, no matter how good the source, you will always meet with the unexpected. However, by careful preparation you can be equipped and ready to manage unforeseen events and eliminate many problems before they arise.
In this Topic, we will provide you with general and specific indications regarding preparing yourself for the mission. Here we will attempt to expose you to situations that may arise during the mission and refer you to guidelines that humanitarian agencies provide for their staff who may encounter such experience.
“The most complex emergencies are those which occur in areas where there is disputed sovereignty manifested in armed conflict. Complex emergencies are characterized by the collapse of social infrastructure, risks beyond everyday life, indiscriminate as well as discriminate violence, and the extreme material, organisational and psychological vulnerability of those caught up in the emergency the design and delivery of humanitarian assistance are exacerbated by the need to operate in such an unstable, AusAID
Learning Outcomes
After completing this Topic you should be able to:
- detail the preparations you need to undertake in relation to personal preparedness, security, safety, and travel
- describe and explain the positive values expected from a humanitarian worker while on mission