Sustainable Relief and Reconstruction- Turning Discussions into Operational Reality

Day / Time Tuesday, June 20th / 13:30 - 15:30

Event Description

The objective of this event is to draw together partners of UN-HABITAT for an informal, provocative networking session concentrating on the operational aspects of the conceptual framework and guiding principles. The event will introduce good practices and lessons learned from the field, all within the context of reflecting and reviewing the precision of the conceptual Sustainable Relief and Reconstruction framework. This event hopes to further elaborate the SRR framework into the following outcomes: inputs received, both operational and normative, for the UN- HABITAT Policy on Human Settlements in Crisis; participants are committed to the Sustainable Relief and Reconstruction approach on normative as well as operational level; cohesion and framework developed on how and in what ways participants will implement the Sustainable Relief and Reconstruction guiding principles.

Session Language

English

Speakers

The dialogue moderator Wayne Caldwell, will lead the dialogue with experts on sustainable relief and reconstruction

Scott Leckie, COHRE

Host Organization

UN-HABITAT (Disaster Management Programme)

Host Organization Description

As a lead agency in human settlements issues within UN, UN-HABITAT promotes inclusion, participation and sustainability in the context of human settlements. These overarching issues are also reflected in the work of the Disaster Management Programme, supporting sustainable, pro-poor, and people-centred solutions to crisis. The cornerstone of our approach is to integrate emergency and rehabilitation efforts into long-term development strategies and to introduce the principles of sustainability from the earliest stages of recovery in human settlements. Rather than rebuilding the status-quo, we strive to build back more inclusive, more disaster-resilient, and more vibrant cities. Post-crisis situations offer a unique opportunity to rethink past practices, improve the sustainability of human settlements development and prepare communities to prevent against threats and risks. It entails more than rebuilding houses -it involves security of land tenure, livelihoods restoration, improving local governance, and disaster mitigation. Our strength lies in hand-on experiences to develop understanding and credibility, and a clear exit strategy for promoting sustainability and self-reliance.

Website

www.unhabitat.org/rdmu

Report

Title of Event:

Name of Organisation:

Date and time of the session:

Sustainable Relief and Reconstruction (SRR), Turning ideas into operational reality'

UN-HABITAT (DMP) with IFRC

20 June, 1.30 hrs -3.30 hrs

Key Highlights

Estimated no of participants: 70-80
Stakeholder group representation at the event: International organisations, Civil Society, Academia, Governments
What were the expected objectives: Introduction of good practices, lessons learnt and challenges in operationalising Sustainable Relief and Reconstruction (SSR).
What did the networking event achieve: Consensus on the importance of linking early interventions with longer term planning and objectives

2. What were the core issues identified in your event as they relate to the theme and sub-themes of WUFIII?

Importance and challenges of turning SRR into pactical reality; Partnerships; Finance - The short term tenure of 'relief money'; Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR).

3. What were the main points raised by panellists and participants in relation to these different issues? What new ideas have been generated as a result of the discussion?

Though the conceptual framework of sustainable recovery has in theory been accepted as the right approach to emergency interventions, the implementation on the ground still remains a challenge due to time pressure, funding gaps, history of traditional relief
Importance of involving all stakeholders throughout process in order to achieve an action orientated sustainable relief and reconstruction
The importance of a holistic funding approach (linking immediate relief to development)
Land and tenure right are still largely neglected within the relief and reconstruction phases.
Root causes of disasters need to be addressed; inadequate development practises can increase the vulnerability of communities to natural disasters
To build a culture of prevention in order to make communities safer
Understanding the value of investment in disaster risk reduction
UN-HABITAT and UN has a strong role in advocating for sustainable relief and reconstruction as well as Disaster Risk Reduction, as well as taking a strong role in coordinating with other sister UN agencies, national and local governments and other organisations.

4. What process steps have been identified in your event that could help turn ideas into operational reality?

Involvement of all stakeholders, with particular emphasis on vulnerable groups;

Strengthen co-ordination with other actors in the field - including UN agencies;

Continue a strong advocacy role for sustainable relief and reconstruction, with a particular emphasis on shelter and settlement issues including land and tenure rights.

Sustainable Relief and Reconstruction- Turning Discussions into Operational Reality

Report

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