Julie Bishop address to Council 2010
Public information on emergency assistance
The information sheet covers:
- How Australia responds to overseas disasters and/or hazards, and
- How the Australian community can help
Why is it often the poorest people affected by disasters?
Natural calamities such as typhoons, flooding, wildfires and earthquakes cause considerable additional suffering in the lives of the poor. Even in man-made crises, the poor are the most affected members of society. Many of the world’s poor live a hand-to-mouth existence. They do not have any savings or provisions for emergencies, making them helpless to cope with sudden disruption and loss.
Most essential services – food, health care, water, sanitation, shelter, and even decent clothing – are destroyed or no longer accessible during disasters and emergencies. The lives of the poor, especially the children and the elderly, depend on any support they receive. Thus, urgent assistance is necessary to allow the poor to endure the crisis. Your help will give them the hope and dignity to carry on. We should also strive to liberate the poor from poverty, to enable them to withstand misfortunes in the future.
How does Australia respond to disasters overseas?
Australian non-government organisations (NGOs) have had a long history of providing help and assistance in times of emergency and disaster to those in need either locally or internationally. Australian NGOs use their pre-established linkages within communities to target assistance on a needs basis and provide relief to ameliorate human suffering caused by natural disasters. Through their links with the in-country communities, Australian NGOs are able to determine the relevant needs of the affected population, identify the most vulnerable and ensure that these needs are met in a culturally appropriate way. Australian NGOs can then use their links with the Australian community to build awareness and generate fundraising to meet the identified needs.
Australian NGOs, in partnership with local communities and governments of affected countries, have always endeavoured to better prepare for disasters. Australian NGOs have increased focus on disaster risk preparedness in order to increase the readiness and knowledge of local communities and minimize the damaging impact of natural calamities. Moreover, Australian NGOs also offer help in building financial support and social services to improve the resilience of local communities.
ACFID helps to promote coordination of its members’ activities to provide a helping hand in relief operations. Experts and personnel experienced in emergency situations are readily deployed by NGOs to offer their expertise and assistance to help those on the ground with the assessment and relief activities. These cohesive and well-rounded approaches make a difference in times of disaster.
Through the coordination of AusAID and the Australian Defence Force, the Australian government utilises the skills and linkages of ANGOs to implement relief assistance and rapidly respond to requests from the in-country government and provides funding for relief appeals.
How can you help?
Donate to an appeal
Many Australian NGOs quickly respond to major crises abroad. Using various media outlets they will appeal for funds to assist those in need. Contributing to the effort by making donations is the fastest and easiest way to reach people in need. You can also help NGOs making appeals by volunteering to staff appeal phone lines or providing public information.
Make a regular donation
Your regular donation is the cornerstone that supports NGOs and other humanitarian organisations to build up their funds and allowing them to rapidly respond to emergencies. Such funds facilitate the alleviation of poverty and empower the poor to be productive members of society. At times, media reporting of disasters can result in disproportionate funding of some emergencies at the detriment of others, especially when these disasters are happening at the same time.
Register to assist
Your skill and training may be required in a disaster situation. You can be considered for future disaster relief activities by registering with appropriate NGOs or government agencies.
Proactive advocacy on behalf of the poor
Be proactive in advocating for poverty alleviation programs. You can participate and speak out about problems facing developing countries and global poverty. Support anti-poverty agendas, sign petitions, and write to media outlets or your local political representatives.
Please: **Do not go to the disaster area**
Please do not travel to a disaster area if you lack the training and special skills required for humanitarian operations. This will only divert crucial resources and may even put you in harm’s way.
Do not collect and send goods
Diverse schools, social clubs and other community groups organise the collection and donation of goods that may be needed in the disaster area. However, providing goods and materials that are not needed may lessen the efficiency and effectiveness of humanitarian operations. Thus, you should avoid donating goods that are not requested by humanitarian agencies. Your cash donation is still the most versatile contribution you can have in the relief effort since it could easily be converted to suit the needs of those in distress.
Further information
ACFID - Where NGOs are working
ACFID - Australian NGOs and emergency response
Contact: ACFID Policy Team
