Managing External Relations - Disaster Management Center ...

3
Chapter
Relationships with Governments,
UN Agencies and Other Key
Counterparts
By studying this chapter you will learn about:
Introduction
As a representative of UNHCR in New York, Headquarters or in the field,
you should be aware of the actions of governments, UN bodies, and partner
agencies and how they might affect UNHCR or your responsibilities for external
relations. It is important to understand the responsibilities of the Security
Council, the General Assembly and other UN bodies and how they fit into the
larger picture of emergency management. You should be able to demonstrate
an understanding of the major issues affecting refugees with staff from other
agencies. As discussed below, some of the arrangements for UN system
co-ordination in emergencies are changing and the understanding you have
of agency roles and relationships may affect your ability to adapt to future
changes as well as your overall effectiveness in emergencies.
Overarching Goals for External Relations:
♦ Protection of refugees/persons of concern
♦ Co-ordinated relief effort to maximise resources
■
■ The external relations roles of key actors within
the UN System, governments, and NGOs in
refugee emergencies
■ Co-ordination mechanisms in the field for
complex emergencies
Specific Goals for External Relations
To promote constructive relations with institutions with related
concerns, resolving problems and keeping in mind long-term
objectives when achieving short-term goals.
To ensure that sufficient advice and information is made
available to all government authorities, implementing partners
and other UN agencies.
To understand concerns and information needs of
other groups and institutions.
To encourage government responsibility for refugee issues.
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