Responding to Overseas Disasters and Emergencies: How you can make a difference

Case Study

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When you last saw images of a humanitarian crisis on the television or in the papers, such as images of people fleeing a war zone, or hungry people whose crops have failed through drought, what did you feel for those people? What did those people need? Did you think about how you could help? Did you do something to help, or did you think there was nothing you or other Australians could do?

Australians can, and do, help in two main ways. One is through the Australian Government's Overseas Aid Program, managed by AusAID, where about one per cent of Australians' taxes support a range of emergency and longer term projects in health, agriculture, education, infrastructure and government. During crises, in particular, AusAID helps fund non government overseas aid organisations to provide the basic needs of clean water, food, shelter, clothing, health and medical supplies.

The second and very important way in which we can help is through our actions as individuals, families, communities, organisations or businesses. As global citizens, there are many things we can do to help each other and work towards the goal of a better world for all. Some activities, however, particularly in crisis situations, are more appropriate than others. It is important, therefore, to know what forms of assistance offer the most advantages overall.

Money is the best way to help

The most useful form of assistance during a humanitarian crisis is the donation of money to non government overseas aid organisations. This is because such organisations:

• usually have qualified people already working in the countries who understand the needs of the emergency situation, understand the people's cultures, and know the local languages.
• have strong local networks with individuals and community groups
• know where to buy the emergency relief goods at the best possible price
• have controls in place to check that as much money as possible is spent on the goods or services for the people in need.

What not to give

The donation of food is usually not a good idea. Unless food is specifically requested - non-perishable and clearly labelled - it can cause major problems for relief authorities, taking paid workers and unpaid volunteers away from the main task of organising the provision of more appropriate aid. The costs of sorting, storing, packing, labelling (in English and in the recipient country's language) then transporting food may be higher than the cost of buying it in the country of need or from a nearby country. Sometimes, the donations may also be inappropriate to the culture of the people, or may be subject to costly and lengthy quarantine inspections, as well as custom charges. Even if appropriate, air transport is expensive and there can be delays in getting the food to the people through other forms of transport. In such cases, the food is not delivered overseas.

Similarly, donations of clothing, footwear, blankets, cooking utensils and toys are rarely appropriate. Unless such donations are specifically requested - always in clean and good condition - it is again usually more appropriate for authorities to buy the items in the country of concern or from a neighbour. Time and labour may again be wasted in Australia through storing large quantities of items then sorting through, and disposing of, unclean clothing, odd pairs of shoes, broken utensils and toys or items that are inappropriate for the climate or cultures of the people in need. If in good condition, the items again need to be packed and labelled in Australia, may require fumigation and quarantine clearance overseas, and may incur custom charges before they are distributed. Transport costs and delays are further concerns. In most cases, the above sorts of items are not forwarded overseas.

Donations of medical and health supplies are not encouraged. The donation of medicines, in particular, must be based on strict World Health Organisation and international Red Cross standards. The medicines must have a shelf life of at least six months after arriving in a country. In most cases, because of the costs and the delays involved, and because workers in the countries know exactly what is needed, it is again best for the products to be bought from local or recognised networks of distributors.

If in doubt about how to help in a crisis, contact your local non government overseas aid organisations for advice on how they are responding to the particular situation, and what fund-raising activities they recommend. But also think creatively about what you can do to raise money - as an individual, a class, a school, family, or community group, or through the support of local organisations and businesses. Begin by thinking of activities that have taken place in your school or community recently. Some schools, for example, are regulary involved in activities such as the Community Aid Abroad Walk Against Want, the World Vision Forty Hour Famine, or the Caritas Lenten Appeal. Join in or start the programs in your school. Some schools also have trash and treasure days, cake stalls, car washes, sausage sizzles and competitions. But there are many other - and original - things you can do. Plan around the talents of the people involved in your fund raising and the resources available. What can you make? What can you do? How will you do it? When? Where? Whatever you choose, publicise it, encourage others to join in, and educate people about your cause. Why you are acting is one of the most important messages to convey - because we are all capable of making a great difference to the lives of people less fortunate than ourselves, and the time to start making the difference and to feel good about the experience is now.