International and National Relief Efforts - BHS412 Module 4 - Case - Essay Example

International and National Relief Efforts - BHS412 Module 4 - Case The purpose of this paper is to answer several questions pertaining to International and National relief efforts. The format that this paper will utilize is to first identify the question and then provide a brief answer. What are the most critical features for a successful relationship of the military to NGOs when responding to relief operations? Without question one of the most important features is to ensure that joint efforts are both collaborative as well as coordinated.

By first establishing a consensus on the plan of action as well as ensuring that all stakeholders are working towards a common purpose it could be that the relationship would foster better communication as well as ensure more effective results. From one perspective it could be argued that when both parties operate independently, there may be both redundancies in operations as well as serious deficiencies. When time is a critical factor there needs to be strong coordination. Is there a difference between the relationship when responding to a domestic disaster relief effort as compared to an international relief effort?

In principle this may not be the case however practice may be different. In international operations workers must take into consideration a number of externalities (FEMA, 2011) For example perhaps the infrastructure is not as well developed as the workers are used to. Perhaps there is a language barrier, or the local customs prevent actions that would be considered acceptable in the home nation. Although it could be argued that relief efforts should not be hindered by cultural customs the reality is that by violating these traditions there may be very serious long term consequences.

Moreover by not preparing for a language barrier there may be serious delays in getting real services running and accessible to all people. In your opinion does the National Response Framework adequately discuss/consider this issue? Briefly discuss and support your opinion/position. In my opinion, the national response framework emphasizes a more broad spectrum approach which does indeed cover this issue however what I think it is lacking is the real cultural details that may apply in very specific situations (Fema, 2008) For example the relief efforts in Haiti may have been hindered by not being able to gather information from local people in their native tongue.

By only communicating in French instead of Creole the relief workers would be neglecting the needs of people who lacked a classical education. In relief efforts in predominantly Muslim nations it may be the case that it would be considered inappropriate to distribute food during the daytime of Ramadan. References FEMA: NRF Resource Center (2011) Fact Sheet. [online] Available at http://www.fema.gov/pdf/emergency/nrf/NRFOnePageFactSheet.pdf Accessed on July 5th 2011 FEMA: NRF Resource Center (2008) Coordinating Federal Assistance In Support of the National Response Framework.

[online] Available at http://www.fema.gov/pdf/emergency/nrf/nrf-overview.pdf Accessed on July 5th 2011.