U.N. Discussion Paper on Haiti

The U.N. Peacekeeping Best Practices Unit has published a discussion paper that reviews the international community’s involvement in Haiti and identifies some lessons to be learned from United Nations engagements between 1994 and 2001. As a discussion paper, the document does not represent the views of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations or carry directive weight. Instead, it provides recommendations for planners. The paper finds that previous engagements failed to establish a stable policy and provides lessons that can be learned from weaknesses, key among which are the short mandate duration, the lack of cooperation from Haitian leadership, the lack of assumption of local ownership or self-reliance, ill-timed financial aid, pressure from member states, and a lack of coordination. The paper concludes that Haiti needs support in stability and security, institution building, DDRR (disarmament, demobilization, rehabilitation and reintegration) and socio-economic development, and provides recommendations for these areas. Download the paper from the U.N. website at: www.un.org/Depts/dpko/lessons/.

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IOM/PAHO to address at the health of mobile populations

A Letter of Understanding between the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and PAHO has set the stage for formal collaboration on the health of migrating populations. In Colombia and neighboring countries, this issue has become particularly critical. IOM and PAHO will work together on a number of initiatives, including developing methodologies for quick health evaluations of mobile populations; monitoring access to health services and analyzing health trends, including potential epidemic outbreaks; and developing training and awareness materials including best practices in case management. Activities should begin in the second semester of 2004. More information in future issues of this newsletter.

OFDA Publishes Conclusions of Hemispheric Summit

The Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance has published in print form the conclusions of the Hemispheric Conference on Risk Reduction that took place in 2001. At the Hemispheric Conference, hundreds of disaster professionals discussed how to implement risk management mandates developed at the Third Summit of the Americas. The publication offers an extensive summary of these discussions. A limited number of print copies is available. Contact Juan Pablo Sarmiento at jsarmiento@ofda.net. The full text version is on the web at www.ofdalac.org/conferencia/.

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World Conference on Disaster Management

The Canadian Centre for Emergency Preparedness will host the 14th World Conference on Disaster Management from June 20-23 in Toronto. With the theme The Changing Face of Disaster Management, this year’s Conference will bring together professionals in emergency response and management, disaster relief and assistance, risk management and other disciplines to answer challenges such as what have we learned from the past? Are there better ways of doing things? Are we ready for the next big incident? More information on the web at www.wcdm.org.