"Integrate social and political drivers of vulnerability in all plans for disaster risk reduction and combating climate change if you really want a safe and just society" - Belinda Bennet, Head-South Asia, Christian Aid, New Delhi, India
There
have been significant gains in the last 10 years in the humanitarian sector,
and the Tsunami became a benchmark for much of the subsequent work in this
area. The following specific areas have seen very relevant progress:
1.
International humanitarian community started taking a square look at evidence
based addressing of social exclusion and equity issues. Patriarchy and
caste, so institutionalised in society, came to the fore and were acknowledged
as critical drivers of vulnerability in a post disaster situation, and
subsequently as developmental concerns.
2.
Social Equity Audits were taken up and helped bring forward evidences of
discrimination not just in the communities but also within aid organisations
themselves. The establishment of the audit processes, and the approach of
self reflection were a big gain after the Tsunami.
3.
Assumptions that big organisations are best suited for humanitarian response
were broken, and in a large number of cases the small local organisations could
reach out the affected families with greatest understanding and efficiency.
In the process, the capacities of small organisations were also built.
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