NGO Planning Presenter: James Hardman, Emergencies Coordinator, Oxfam Australia

Some broad points: For particular Humanitarian Emergencies (CHEs, CPEs, Natural Disasters) planning typically occurs in- country or at HQ, not at a regional centre Often will have staff/partners in affected country NGOs differ widely in approach/mandate, and approach to planning

Coordination Larger, established NGOs tend to coordinate with UN (UNOCHA, UNHCR, etc), and will usually be given responsibilities by the UN Lead Agency, often funding Other INGOs and LNGOs (not always small) may be outside this loop - choice, neglected –bad experience of coordination –lack of time and personnel Competition

Why are NGOs they way they are? Very dependant on public/media/donor interest in Natural Disasters, CHEs - will affect the number of NGOs and level of funds Don’t have clear systems like the military –relatively new at this, theory and debate ongoing –working on ways to improve without losing their advantages (grassroots, speed, flexibility…) Most INGOs are trying to be demand driven - but will still sometimes try and anticipate a response Have ambitious goals and objectives - overstretch

Interaction with Military Generalisations: Military view of NGOs: Will not coordinate, too independent No structure NGO view of military: Not focused on the local population, only “military” objectives Don’t see full repercussions of their actions, in and out

Seriously: Provision of security - convoy, camp –Military plans may be different to NGO requirements Logistic support - don’t have own, hard to rent –still should be able to justify (mandate) More difficult for local NGOs, don’t know the process, cultural barriers Inexperienced Civil Affairs and NGO staff have to learn the whole game, overcome barriers - turnover

NGO Principles and Planning Tools Do No Harm Codes of Conduct Standards (SPHERE) Rights based approach - dignity Basic guidelines - civil military (peak body, internal, other) –Humanitarian Imperative –International Humanitarian Law –Impartiality (Neutrality) –Humanitarian Space

–Civil-Military Distinction –Vulnerable Groups need special attention –Information sharing –Use of military resources - care and transp. –Transport of Personnel –Training and Dialogue - mutual benefits

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