Managing External Relations - Disaster Management Center ...

Chapter 3
NGOs are increasingly using NGO co-ordination bodies to organise themselves and improve
their effectiveness in complex emergencies. These bodies take the form of umbrella organisations,
consortia, federations, unions and networks. Some co-ordinating bodies, such as the International
Council of Voluntary Agencies (ICVA) and InterAction, provide support services to agencies involved
in emergencies. NGOs bring advantages as partners in emergency operations because they are
usually able to respond quickly and some are willing to operate in areas where other actors may face
political constraints.
UNHCR works with many NGOs either as operational or implementing partners to address
refugee emergencies. Thus, the cultivation of strong inter-agency relationships with NGOs is crucial
to the success of these operations. The purpose of the PARinAC (Partnership in Action) initiative
between UNHCR and its implementing partners was to examine criteria for building more
constructive partnerships to improve joint humanitarian action. The process included a year-long
series of consultations culminating in a conference in Oslo in June 1994. The practical application of
the PARinAC process is demonstrated in the work currently being done by UNHCR and NGOs in
refugee operations worldwide. The ‘Best Practices’ for building effective partnerships are based on
past experiences and lessons learned. (See Annex 3.) While some are more applicable to working
partner arrangements in emergency operations, many or all may apply to relationships with
governments, the media and donor agencies.
Regional Bodies and Inter-Governmental Organisations
In most refugee operations, regional and inter-governmental organisations can provide both political
support and humanitarian assistance. Such bodies may also play important roles in the negotiations
for and implementation of political solutions, for example, ECOWAS and ECOMOG in West Africa,
and EU and OSCE in the former Yugoslavia.
Refugees and Refugee Groups
As the focal point of UNHCR’s mandate, refugees are a key target group for external relations.
UNHCR staff should encourage and support the organisation of the refugee community and ensure
its involvement along side the local authorities and communities in all aspects of the administration
of the refugee settlement. Refugees may need to be informed and sensitised regarding UNHCR’s role
and also with regard to local customs and traditions.
Local Population and Local Interest Groups
To avoid tensions and enhance relationships between UNHCR, partner agencies, the refugee
community and the local population, regular meetings should be arranged to address the causes of
any problems that may arise. The local population can be informed and sensitised to the situation
faced by the refugees through the local media and community leaders. Sufficient assistance should
be mobilised so that negative impacts by the refugees on scarce local resources are avoided. In
addition, the local community should see benefits from improvements in infrastructure, such as in
the water and health sectors, and in road construction.
Military
UNHCR’s humanitarian activities may be linked with the military either when peacekeeping or
international armed forces are used to ensure secure delivery of assistance, or when military resources
are used to augment the capacity of UNHCR. Specific duties of the military may include
training for UNHCR staff on security issues, escorting UNHCR convoys, supporting local authorities,
providing information and protection, supporting health and medical services and transporting
humanitarian aid, among others.
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