NDMA launches guidelines for relief standards in camps

Islamabad: National Disaster Management Authority, (NDMA) has formally launched the Guidelines for Minimum Standards of Relief in Camps. NDMA Chairman Lt. Gen Omar Mahmood Hayat, was the chief guest at the launching ceremony.

While speaking at the occasion NDMA chairman has said during disaster relief camps remain the centre point of relief and rehabilitation activities. He observed development of Guidelines for Minimum Standards of Relief in Camps was essential for establishment of relief camps when necessary and for carrying out relief activities smoothly according to minimum international standards. He hoped that these guidelines would prove vital assistance to the provincial and district governments and other relevant stakeholders working in the area of disaster management.

While highlighting the objective of the Guidelines Member, Operations NDMA Brigadier Mukhtar Ahmed has said that these guidelines are to assist provincial, district and sub-divisional administration and non-government sector for effective and efficient management of provision of minimum standards of relief in camps for the well-being of camp inhabitants.

It is one of key functions of NDMA is to lay down guidelines and provide direction to the departments concerned or Provincial Governments to take appropriate measures in response to any threatening disaster or disaster situation. Section 11 (a) of NDM Act 2010 stipulates NDMA to lay down Guidelines for minimum requirements to be provided in relief camps in relation to shelter, food, drinking water, medical cover and sanitation to persons affected by disaster.

In this backdrop, NDMA formulated these ‘Guidelines for Minimum Standard of Relief in Camps’ in consultation with IOM, UNHCR, and SPEHER. The prime minister of Pakistan has approved these guidelines while the same guidelines will be presented before National Disaster Management Commission (NDMC) for ratification.