Course Disasters and their Effects ​on the Population: Key Concepts

NGOs are nonprofit organizations working on a full-time basis in assistance for appropriate development. Thousands of NGOs, both international and national, are functioning throughout the world. Most NGOs are small agencies focusing on very specific development projects (e.g., providing education, working tools, or training in sustainable development). Only a few of them have the resources required for supporting activities targeted to promote development and to respond to disasters in multiple countries or regions. Each NGO is specialized in specific aspects of assistance in emergencies (Box 9). Although NGOs may receive contributions from individuals, most of their funds come from the governments of industrialized countries. These governments distribute their money for assisting projects through contracts with NGOs. Unlike the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), some NGOs maintain a “right to interfere.” This means they can operate across borders without written approval of their hosts.

Although usually looking for the neutrality of the ICRC, some NGOs may be more willing to report any perceived injustice. They perform well in emergencies within their area of specialty (e.g., water provision, food distribution), but most cannot achieve self-sufficiency in an emergency setting and rely on UN, military, or other agencies for security, transportation to remote sites, communication, support of logistics, or medical care for their own personnel. NGOs have enhanced ability to provide person-to-person assistance because they are likely to have a pre-disaster relationship with the affected communities and understand the local culture and public health issues. They can also shift easily from disaster relief to development, and are willing to make a long-term commitment to community development and rebuilding.

International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)—This is a hybrid agency: neither private nor controlled by a government. A number of its characteristics are unique; its mission is defined by the international humanitarian law passed by the 1949 Geneva Convention and the two 1977 protocols. The ICRC gets involved mainly when civil disturbances are present; it has the right and duty to intervene across borders when national or international conflicts break out, regardless of whether a “state of war” has been declared. The ICRC brokers relief assistance during war, assures legal protection for victims, and monitors the way Prisoners of War are managed. Also, the ICRC plays a critical role in reuniting families. The ICRC strives to preserve its neutrality, which is essential for its mission and enables its members to work unarmed in war regions under the control of any of the involved parties.

The ICRC provides a complete account of its activities to all the parties involved in the conflict. It will refuse to participate in any activity that can be seen as showing favoritism. This may include transportation in vehicles belonging to one of the parties or joining efforts with groups that have their own interests. The ICRC is usually self-sufficient and can use its own resources for air lifts, communication, and logistics. It will participate only if all parties involved in the conflict sign an agreement recognizing and showing respect for its neutrality and mission. The ICRC is related to but independent from the Red Cross and the Red Crescent Societies national agencies. These organizations provide assistance primarily to victims of disasters or wars within their own nations. They have a similar commitment with neutrality, provision of assistance based only on the need, and independence from national governments.