HUMANITARIAN CHARTER and MINIMUM STANDARDS IN HUMANITARIAN RESPONSE

Transcription

1 Launch of Sphere Handbook 2011 edition HUMANITARIAN CHARTER and MINIMUM STANDARDS IN HUMANITARIAN RESPONSE 14th April, 2011 Sphere India Secretariat Building # 3, Flat # 401, Sona Apartments, Kaushilya Park, Hauz Khas, New Delhi

2 Table of Contents Inauguration and launch of Sphere handbook 2011 edition:... 3 Press briefing and open discussion:... 5 Panel discussion: How prepared is India for complex disasters like Japan?... 6 List of Attendees at Sphere handbook launch at New Delhi... 8 Media coverage of Sphere handbook launch at New Delhi: Launch in Srinagar (State: Jammu & Kashmir): Launch in Shimla (State: Himachal Pradesh): Launch in Dehradun (State: Uttarakhand): Launch in Lacknow (State: Uttar Pradesh): Launch in Patna (State: Bihar): Launch in Ranchi (State: Jharkhand): Launch in Guwahati (State: Assam): Launch in Kolkata (State: West Bengal): Launch in Bhubaneswar (State: Orissa): Launch in Bhopal (State: Madhya Pradesh): Launch in Mumbai (State: Maharashtra) Launch in Hyderabad (State: Andhra Pradesh): Launch in Bangalore (State: Karnataka): Launch in Thrissur (State: Kerala): Map of launch locations in India Support agencies in the launch events in India: Page 2

3 Inauguration and launch of Sphere handbook 2011 edition: Ms. Jaya Jha, Focal Point, Inter-Agency Collaborative Advocacy, welcomed the audience and shared that the Sphere handbook 2011 edition: Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Disaster Response is being launched at 15 locations internationally, including New Delhi on 14 th April, Simultaneously, the handbook is being launched at 14 different states in India, thus making India the only country with so many launch events. She shared that the launch event is an opportunity for all of us to discuss on the emerging challenges and increasing complexities in the humanitarian sector in India, to identify the key learning and advocacy issues pertaining to disaster management framework in India and to collect recommendations and way forward for us. Mr. Vikrant Mahajan, Chief Operating Officer, Sphere India welcomed the Chief Guest Major Gen. J. K. Bansal, Hon ble Member, NDMA, Govt. of India. He also welcomed Mr. N. M. Prusty, Chairperson, Sphere India and Mr. Ray Kancharla, Vice-Chair, Sphere India, on the dais. He also welcomed the members of the governing body of Sphere India, representatives from Govt. of India, the UN agencies, I/NGOs, representatives from state inter-agency groups, corporate, civil societies, academia and other guests in the event. Mr. N. M. Prusty, in his keynote address, shared the background and origin of Sphere process in the post- Rwanda crisis and that how the handbook evolved with a process of consultation and incorporation of experiences & learning over a period of time. The current version is the third version of the handbook being launched globally. He shared that the revision didn t only consult the civil societies but also a large number of state players, government actors, Today on this occasion, the humanitarian aid workers all over the world are engaged to reaffirm, recommit to the humanitarian charter, the rights principles, in right process to protect the rights of people to ensure life with dignity for those affected in humanitarian crisis Picture 1: Mr. Vikrant Mahajan, COO, Sphere India, giving welcome address Picture 2: Mr. N. M. Prusty, Chairperson, Sphere India delivering keynote address communities, and other key stakeholders. He explained Sphere process by emphasizing on the fact today on this occasion, the humanitarian aid workers all over the world are engaged to reaffirm, recommit to the humanitarian charter, the rights principles, in right process to protect the rights of people to ensure life with dignity for those affected in humanitarian crisis. He elaborated that the scope of humanitarian crisis not only includes the natural disasters but also the Page 3

4 human induced, technology induced, development induced disasters; and that the humanitarian community need to strategize for all kind of humanitarian crisis situations. Mr. Vikrant Mahajan readout the letter of appreciation received from The Sphere Project for Sphere India. (Letter enclosed) Chief Guest Major Gen. J. K. Bansal, Hon ble Member, NDMA, Government of India appreciated the efforts of Sphere India for not only promoting the Sphere Handbook but also bringing together all the stakeholders on a common platform for enhanced collaboration and coordination. He also acknowledged the support of Sphere India in the development of National guidelines on Minimum Standards being prepared by NDMA. He also emphasized that the humanitarian assistance should expand its scope to all kinds of crisis including conflicts. He discussed on the importance of all the key sectors during disaster response including water supply, sanitation & hygiene, food, nutrition, health services, medical cover, shelter provisions etc. He Sphere India has not only promoted the Sphere Handbook but also brought together all the stakeholders on a common platform for enhanced collaboration and coordination specially mentioned that the vulnerable groups need extra care and attention and all the humanitarian players need to prioritize them in the response plan. He added that National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) setup by Govt. of Picture 3: Major Gen. J. K. Bansal, Hon'ble Member, NDMA, Govt. of India, giving the inaugural address Picture 4: Major Gen. J. K. Bansal, Hon'ble Member, NDMA, launching the revised Sphere handbook India is specialized in rescue and evacuation operations during disasters and have played a commendable role in the last few disasters. He suggested that the civil societies need to commit a minimum response in their particular sectoral expertise and they should extend their support to the administration in managing the disasters. He added that mechanisms should be created to avoid duplication and gaps in humanitarian response. He also suggested Sphere India that there should be team of experts ready at National level who may be deployed in case of disasters and can manage & take charge of situation instantly. He shared the technical aspects of CBRN disasters (chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear disasters) and said that dealing with CBRN disasters needs additional skills and equipments such as exposure training and minimum protection equipments. He also added that such kind of trainings can be planned for selected set of participants with an Page 4

5 objective of creating a pool of trained people on CBRN disasters. He shared that such complex disasters need more preparedness and planning. Mr. Ray Kancharla, Vice-Chair, Sphere India extended vote of thanks to the Chief Guest, the speakers, and the attendees of the launch event. He shared that the presence of the distinguished guests and the attendees in the program has helped in strengthening the commitment towards humanitarian actions and quality and accountability. Picture 5: Mr. Ray Kancharla, Vice-Chair, Sphere India, giving the vote of thanks Press briefing and open discussion: Mr. Vikrant Mahajan shared a presentation explaining Sphere India, the core commitments and the various programs Sphere India is implementing. It also included brief overview of the revised Sphere handbook. With the presentation, the discussion was opened for media and other participants for questions and interactions. Mr. Ajay Mahajan, World Vision India, shared that WVI has plans to integrate Sphere processes in all their programs, and they are wiling to have collaboration with Sphere India to take this initiative ahead. This would include capacity building of the ADPs of WVI and their communities. It was shared that Sphere India has extended capacity building support to Tearfund for their partners in India, Welthungerhilfe for their project in AILA affected areas and other few agencies time to time, and that Sphere would be happy to extend support for Sphere processes, coordination, capacity building, information & knowledge management and advocacy as and where required. The other key points discussed are: There is a need to develop contextualized operational manual for the handbook which will act as a ready reference for the frontline workers. There was debate on whether to have a summary of the Sphere handbook for the nondisaster professionals and for the people engaged in disaster response. It was discussed that the Sphere handbook is very precise and we need not go for preparing another Picture 6: Mr. N. M. Prusty, Prof. V. K. Sharma, Mr. Sarbjit Singh, Mr. Ray Kancharla during media briefing and discussions Page 5

6 summary of a summary. Sphere India may develop Do s and Don t s kind of materials for different technical chapters of the handbook. They would be helpful in understanding the key actions in in different sectors in the time of disaster. The handbook should reach more number of stakeholders. Corporate bodies, Govt., academia etc. should also be sensitized on the Sphere processes and the handbook. Different agencies may develop training materials, modules etc. based on their sectoral expertise and share them to Sphere India and other agencies for use. There are companion standards to Sphere viz. LEGS, INEE, HAP etc. which should also be adopted and used by different agencies. Panel discussion: How prepared is India for complex disasters like Japan? Prof. S. M. Ramasamy, Vice Chancellor, Gandhigram Rural Deemed University, shared about the technological aspects of disaster management. He shared that there is a need to have a mapping of seismic and micro-seismic zones in India for better preparedness and planning. The recent earthquakes in the areas which were not supposed to be EQ prone have emphasized this need. Use of GIS, remote sensing, and other technologies would definitely be a great help in early warning and preparedness at different levels. Prof. N.V.C. Menon, Former member, NDMA & Founder member, Sphere India complemented Sphere India for the launch of the revised Sphere handbook and emphasized on the need of There is a high probability of a low probability disaster happening anytime anywhere. translating the handbook in vernacular Indian languages. Responding to the question Is India prepared for complex disasters? he shared that we need to be brutally honest on this. There is a high probability of a low probability disaster happening anytime anywhere. Every disaster situation brings new challenges and opportunities for new modeling and innovations as well. He shared that the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is very capable in search and rescue operations. India has largest network of Red Cross volunteers, approx. 21 million. The 53 billionaires of India contribute to 33% of national GDP. We have enough opportunities to be explored and engaged in disaster management. He also thrown light on the importance of institutional mechanisms, service delivery, critical infrastructures etc. and added that timely and appropriate relief should be right of the disaster affected people. Timely and appropriate relief should be right of the disaster affected people Shri. Satyabrata Pal, Honorable Member, National Human Rights Commission congratulated Sphere India for the launch of the handbook and said that rights based Page 6

7 perspective is very important not only during disasters but also in peace time. He emphasized on the need of coordination among different agencies to avoid duplication and gaps, avoid humanitarian favoritism, and adherence to humanitarian ethics. He emphasized on the basic rights of all to be able to live with dignity. He said that there should be no discrimination in treatment with the disaster affected people. Dr. Muzaffar Ahmed, Hon ble Member, NDMA, Govt. of India, emphasized on the need of community awareness and preparedness and said that community level actions are the key to saving lives and property. It is important to train people in different disaster management skills. He added that trauma care, basic life support care etc are few of the themes where we should plan interventions. He shared that IRCS is planning wide-scale trainings and they aim to develop certified first responders Picture 7: Prof. S. M. Ramasamy, Prof. N.V.C. Menon, Mr. Satyabrat Pal, and Dr. Muzaffar Ahmad in the panel discussion in each district. In response to a query from Mr. Peniel (EHA) he said that the volunteers trained by EHA can be linked to the SDMA. Mr. Vikrant Mahajan extended vote of thanks to the panelist and the attendees in the event and added that the discussions have helped to analyze the situation and there are lots of learning and issues for advocacy which would be taken up in subsequent consultations at appropriate forums. Page 7

8 List of Attendees at Sphere handbook launch at New Delhi Panelists: Launch of Sphere handbook 2011 edition in India Sl. No. Name Organization 1. Major Gen. J.K. Bansal Hon ble Member, NDMA, Govt. of India 2. Dr. Muzaffar Ahmed Hon ble Member, NDMA, Govt. of India 3. Prof. N.V.C. Menon Former Member, NDMA Founder Member, Sphere India 4. Shri Satyabrata Pal Hon ble Member, National Human Rights Commission 5. Prof. S. M. Ramasamy Vice Chancellor, Gandhigram University 6. Mr. N.M. Prusty Chairperson, Sphere India 7. Mr. Ray Kancharla Vice Chairperson, Sphere India 8. Mr. Vikrant Mahajan COO, Sphere India Participants: Sl. No. Name Organization 9. Abha Mishra UNDP 10. Ajay Mahajan World Vision 11. Akhil K. Chaudhary PCI 12. Amrit Kumar ARLDF 13. Anil K. Malik D. C. D 14. Anuj Chheti UNDP 15. Anuj Tiwari GFDR 16. Avni Malhotra Heifer International 17. Bipin IGSSS 18. Cassie Dummett CRS 19. D S Kapur India Wash Forum 20. Dan Andrew EFICOR 21. Danish Aziz Islamic Relief India 22. Dr. A. K. Shinha NDMA 23. Dr. Devashish Bhattachary 24. Dr. K. J. Anandha Kumar NIDM 25. Dr. K. S. R. Sajbaba JNU 26. Dr. Rajiv ICRC 27. Dr. Rakesh Kumar Sharma INMAR DRIOO 28. Faisel T. Illiyas Institute of Land and Disaster Management 29. G. Padmanabhan UNDP 30. Gurpreet Kaur IFRC India 31. Harichandran PCI 32. Harsh Jahli VANI 33. Impuri World Vision India 34. J. Willians Save the children 35. Jai Parkash Yadav Janta Sewa Samiti Basti 36. Jaya Jha Sphere India 37. Jitendra Singh Santhak 38. Joachim Schwarz Welthunger Hilfe Page 8

9 39. Junila Paul Junior Achievement India 40. Kamal Sahi GFDR 41. Kastubh D. Kukde IFRC-IO 42. Katherine ACTED 43. Mani Kumar DCA 44. Manish Jain ACF 45. Manisha Kachhotiya Volunteer, Sphere India 46. Manjunath ILO 47. Manu Gupta SEEDS 48. Margareta Tileva UNICEF 49. Md. Ziauddin Ahamed ASSART, Odisha 50. Mohammad Aftab Save the children 51. Mudasser Plan India 52. Murali Kunduru Plan India 53. Naghma Firdaus UNDMT Associate 54. Narender Jadav CMS 55. Narendra Singh Kacchotiya Sphere India 56. Naresh Kumar Innovations Unlimited 57. Neha Agrawal Sphere India 58. Nupur Arora UNDP 59. Pardeep REDR India 60. Parkash CGD India 61. Peniel Malakar EHA 62. Prasad Sevekari Humanitarian Consultatnt 63. R. John Suresh Kumar Christian Aid 64. Rajan ADRA 65. Rajesh Narayan GFDR, BIhar 66. Rajesh K. Kaushik Govt. of Haryana 67. Rajesh Kumar. P UNICEF 68. Raman Kumar Sphere India 69. Raviraj Atrey Sphere India 70. Rekha Shetty C.R. S. 71. Romita Anand Sphere India 72. S. Ambekar Vishwa Yuva Kendra 73. Sanjeev Rai Save the children 74. Santiswarup Sahoo Phd Scholar, IIT Kanpur 75. Sarbjit Singh UNICEF 76. Sebastian T. V. Concern Worldwide 77. Shachi Grover UNFPA 78. Shakeel IGSSS 79. Sheena Arora REDR INDIA 80. Sheila George EFICOR 81. Suchitra Acharya Welt Hunger Hilfe 82. Sunil Mammen CARITAS 83. Suraj Bahadur Sphere India 84. Sushil Kr. Argar Helpage India 85. Wungmaya Lunghar World Vision India 86. V.K. Sharma IIPA, New Delhi 87. Vaishali M Welthunger Hilfe Page 9

10 88. Venkat. Rv. Plan India 89. Victoria GFDR 90. Vinay Sadavarte IFRC 91. Yudhisthira Save the children and Bihar IAG Page 10

11 Media coverage of Sphere handbook launch at New Delhi: Launch of Sphere handbook 2011 edition in India Page 11

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13 Online Presence: html html Experts-letjJGigfii.html ( *More press coverage is in pipeline. Page 13

14 Launch in Srinagar (State: Jammu & Kashmir): The Handbook was launched at Srinagar by Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Dr. Asgar Hassan Samoon at 03:00 PM on 14 th April The launch at Srinagar was organized jointly by Divisional Administration, Kashmir in collaboration with the Institute of Management and Public Administration (IMPA), J&K. The launch programme was attended by 100 participants including senior officers from district government, engineering department, fire and emergency services, auxiliary police, civil defence, Red Cross volunteers, health department, various Non Governmental Organizations, including Red-R, Voluntary Health Association of India (VHAI), Action Aid International etc. and representatives from print and electronic media. Dr. Asgar Hassan Samoon, IAS, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir in his Presidential address, said that, The Sphere Standards have been prepared scientifically and are the benchmark for ensuring effective humanitarian assistance to people in need around the world. It is a life line for humanitarian aid workers and organizations and will improve the quality of humanitarian assistance to survivors of disasters and conflicts. He further said that the State Disaster Management Policy is being prepared in collaboration with IMPA and National Institute of Disaster Management. He stressed on preparation of District Disaster Management Plans for all districts. He also appreciated the work of Fire Services, Health Dept., PHE, Electric Dept., R&B and Police in Disaster Management. He called upon the NGOs and Government agencies to form a platform where proper coordination takes place. The forum could be called Inter Agency Group (IAG). He assured full support for formation of the IAG in the state. Page 14

15 Launch in Shimla (State: Himachal Pradesh): The handbook was launched in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh by the Honorable Chief Minister Shri Prem Kumar Dhumal Ji. Hon ble Chief Minister appreciated the efforts of the humanitarian agenices and expressed the hope that this could be helpful in improved disaster management in the state. He added that the Humanitarian Charter and minimum standards acts as an opportunity for the enhancement of assistance with the aim of making a difference to the lives of people affected by disaster. In mountain States like Himachal, this launch will add value to the preparedness and mitigation efforts. He also added that both, nongovernment and government sector, should know more about the Sphere ahndbook and practice it religiously. Present on the occasion were Dr. Arun Chandan (MFH Shimla), Nishant Chawla (SPJIMR Mumbai), Gaurang Gupta (Gujrat), Tsering Dolkar (Lahaul & Spiti) and Supongsenla Jamir (Nagaland). The event was attended by over 35 people from different backgrounds. Launch in Dehradun (State: Uttarakhand): The launch event in Uttarakhand was organized by Plan India, the Inter-Agency Group- Uttarakhand, in collaboration with Disaster Mitigation and Management Center, Government of Uttarakhand. The handbook was launched by Shri. Khajan Das Jee, Hon ble Minister, Disaster Management, Government of Uttarakhand. He emphasized on the need of minimum standards in disaster response looking at the high vulnerablity of the state to various hazards. The event was attended by over 80 people from different stakeholders. Page 15

16 Launch in Lacknow (State: Uttar Pradesh): The handbook launch event in Uttar Pradesh was orgnaized by Inter-Agency Group Uttar Pradesh and the member agencies. The handbook was released by Dr. A.N. Singh, Ex. Director, Remote Censing. Other key panelist included Dr. R.K. Singh, director Nefard, Ms. Aditi Umrao, SPO UNDP Uttar Pradesh, Mr. Jeet Singh, State Program Support Officer CARE India and Dr. Bhanu Chairperson Inter- Agency Group, Uttar Pradesh. The attendees in the launch event unanimously agreed on to conduct a detail orientation workshop program on new Sphere Standard so that they can incorporate the revised book technique in their respective field. The launch event was attended by nearly 40 people from Govt. of Uttar Pradesh, different agencies in Uttar Pradesh, and media. Launch in Patna (State: Bihar): The Sphere Hand Book Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Humanitarian Response Edition was launched in Bihar on 14 April 2011, by chief guest Mr. Vyas Jee, Principal Secretary, Department of Disaster Management, Govt. of Bihar at Bihar Inter-Agency Group Secretariat, 21/A-1, Patliputra Colony, Patna, Bihar. Mr. Vyas Jee, in his address, expressed satisfaction on developing minimum standard in disaster preparedness and response. He further appreciated the Bihar IAG for its commendable spirit of collaboration and humanitarianism works in the state of Bihar. He further felt the need of strengthening of pre- Page 16

17 preparedness activities for drought, earthquake, cold wave, fire, flood etc. He stressed on the need of convergence in trainings conducted on disaster management by different departments, by which we can avoid the duplication of efforts. The launch event was attended by around 40 people including senior officers from Government of Bihar, representatives from I/NGOs, UN agencies, members of Bihar Inter-Agency Group, media etc. The launch event in Bihar was coordinated by the State Inter-Agency Group, Bihar. Launch in Ranchi (State: Jharkhand): The launch event in Ranchi, Jharkhand was organized by the Sri Krishna Institute of Public Administration in collaboration with key agencies in the state. The handbook was released by Shri. C. P. Singh, Hon ble Speaker, Jharkhand Legislative Assembly. In his address, he welcomed the Sphere initiative and said that this should be promoted by all key agencies including Government, corporate houses, civil societies, academia etc. Other key dignitaries included Sri. A.M. Thakur - Dy. Secretary, Dept. of Disaster Management, Ranchi, Govt. of Jharkhand, Sri. Rajesh Kumar Director, Central Water Commission (CWC), Ranchi, Jharkhand, Sri. S.K. Sinha Senior Faculty / Editor, Coal & Management, Indian Institute of Coal Management (IICM), Ranchi, Sri. Dileep Kumar Faculty, Disaster Management, Shri. Krishna Institute of Public Administration (SKIPA), Ranchi and Sri. Kiran Jalem Faculty, Disaster Management, Shri. Krishna Institute of Public Administration (SKIPA), Ranchi. Over 100 people attended the launch event. Page 17

18 Launch in Guwahati (State: Assam): The handbook was launched in Assam by Assam State Inter-Agency group in collaboration with the Assam State Disaster Management Authority, Government of Assam. The handbookwas released by Ms. Nandita Hazarika, ACS, Assam State Disaster Management Authority and State Project Officer, UNDP. In her address, she highlighted the importance of humanitarian imperatives and the humanitarian charter for the civil societies and other disaster responders. Other key attendees included around 50 people from different member agencies of Assam Inter-Agency Group, and senior officers from the State Disaster Management Authority. Launch in Kolkata (State: West Bengal): West Bengal Inter-Agency Group coordinated the launch of the handbook in the state. The handbook was launched by Mr. Sanjay Rozario, Ex-Zonal Manager, Caritas India and Consultant, and Ms. Moushumi Das, Emergency Officer, Unicef. They shared about the relevance of the Sphere process and the handbook in the work of every humanitarian agency and individual. They also shared about the Sphere Project, the relevance of the document and the revisions made. The protection principles and other new inserts were also discussed in brief and sought attention of the attendees. They shared that The Sphere project is an initiative to define and uphold the standards by which the global humanitarian community responds to the plight of people affected by disasters. Total number of participants was around 35 including Government and Non- Government Organisations (UN organisations, INGOs and NGOs). Launch in Bhubaneswar (State: Orissa): In Orissa, the handbook was launched by Hon ble Justice, Shri. R. K. Patra, Chairperson, Orissa State Human Rights Commission. Other dignitaries included Prof. Asha Hans, Executive Vice President, SMRC, and Dr. M. P. Mohanty, Chairperson, IAG Page 18

19 Orissa and Hony. Secy. Indian Red Cross Society, orissa State Branch. The event was attended by nearly 70 participants from different agencies (IAG member organizations), Orissa State Disaster Management Authority, NGOs, Institutions, Independent practitioners, print and electronic media etc. In his address, Justice R. K. Patra emphasized that every individual affected by a disaster must be provided with necessary assistance both by Government and other humanitarian agenies as a matter of Human Right and not as charity. He lauded the role of Red Cross across the globe and in the state in the Disaster Response. He also emphasized on creating general awareness for promoting quality and accountability in humanitarian sector in state by Indian Red Cross Society and its partner agencies. Launch in Bhopal (State: Madhya Pradesh): The launch event in Madhya Pradesh was coordinated by Disaster Management Institute, Bhopal. The handbook was released by Mr. Praveen Garg, IAS, Executive Director, DMI. Other key agencies present in the event were CASA, Care India, UNFPA, UNDP, UNICEF, corporate houses, senior government officers, NGOs and media etc. The dignitaries appreciated the global effort of coordination, collaboration, and ensuring dignity of people affected by disasters. The event was attended by around 45 people. Page 19

20 Launch in Mumbai (State: Maharashtra) The launch event in Mumbai was organized by Youth for Unity and Voluntary Action (YUVA) and Tata Institue of Social Sciences (TISS). Launch of Sphere handbook 2011 edition in India The launch was attended by around 40 people from different stakeholder groups. The attendees were quite excited to know more about the handbook and requested for orientation on the book. Launch in Hyderabad (State: Andhra Pradesh): In Andhra Pradesh, the Sphere handbook 2011 edition was launched at Dr. Marri Channa Reddy Human Resource Development (MCR-HRD) Institute of Andhra Pradesh, which is the apex Administrative Training Institute of the Government of Andhra Pradesh and is responsible for facilitating training and providing HRD inputs to all public functionaries of the State. The handbook was launched by Dr. S. Aruna Kumari, Director Public Health, Government of Andhra Pradesh & Dr. G.V.S. Murthy, Director, Indian Institute of Public Health, Hyderabad. Dr. Pretesh Kiran, Convener, Disaster Management Unit, St. John s Medical College, Bangalore, gave a brief orientation on the Sphere process and the handbook, and how the handbook got revised in the last two years with extensive consultations from different stakeholders and Sphere practitioners across the globe. The launch event was attended by around 50 people including qualified doctors, medical practitioners, representatives from civil societies and media. The majority of the attendees were medical professionals and they appreciated the Page 20

21 importance of the handbook and requested for technical orientation and training on the handbook. The launch event in Andhra Pradesh was coordinated by Dr. Vivek Singh, Assistant Professor, Public Health Foundation of India. Launch in Bangalore (State: Karnataka): In the state of Karnataka, the Sphere handbook was launched by Mr. S. R. Prabhakar, Chief Secretary, Dept. of Revenue and Disaster Management, Govt. of Karnataka. Speaking on the occassion he assured that the translation of Sphere handbook will be taken by Department of Revenue, Govt. of Karnataka and admitted that training on Sphere and DRR should be conducted for all sectors of people. He added that colloborative work between NGOs and Government agencies are need of the hour looking at the previous experiences. Guest of Honour Dr. Krishnamoorthy I.P.S. (Rtd.), Vice President, IRCS Karnataka, streesed on preparedness and paradigm shift should be from reactive aproach to proactive approach. Dr. S. Kulakarni, Chairman, IRCS Karnataka, presided the function and concluded that it is just a begining and this initiation to be taken forward in colloberation with all agencies and different sectors. The launch event was attended by around 100 people representaitng approx. 30 organisations which included senior officers from Govt. of Karnataka, I/NGOs, civil societies, universities, medical colleges, media etc. The event was coordinated by Indian Red Cross Society, Karnataka State Branch. Page 21

22 Launch in Thrissur (State: Kerala): The launch event in state of Kerala was organized in Thrissur by Evangelical Social Action Forum (ESAF) in collaboration with Caritas India and other key agencies in the state. The handbook was released by Mr. K. P. Rajendran, the State Revenue Minister, Government of Kerala. In his address, Mr. Rajendran congratulated Sphere India, ESAF, Caritas India and other key agencies for their invaluable contribution during the time of emergencies. He added that the Sphere handbook would be really very helpful in ensuring the dignity of disaster affected people in the state. He invited all the civil socity representatives to the be part of the process and provide their valuable contribution. Other key speakers included Fr. Romance Antony, Director, Social Service Forum, Mr. K. Paul Thomas, Executive Director, ESAF and senior representatives from other agencies. The launch event was attended by over 80 people from different stakeholder groups. The event was coordinated by ESAF and Caritas India. Page 22

23 Map of launch locations in India Page 23

24 Support agencies in the launch events in India: Launch of Sphere handbook 2011 edition in India The launch events in India were supported by key member agencies of Sphere India specifically Plan India, Concern Worldwide, Oxfam India, Cordaid, Catholic Relief Services, Caritas India etc. The launch events across India were successful with active support from the Inter-Agency Groups in different state, Government agencies, Office of Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Disaster Management Institute Bhopal, Yuva and Tata Institute of Social Sciences Mumbai, Shri Krishna Institute of Public Administration Ranchi, Public Health Foundation of India, ESAF, various medical colleges, institutes, academia, print and electronic media and various other stakehilders in different states. Sphere India extend its gratitude and thanks to all the agencies, individuals, and other supporters who made the process successful. This has not only strengthened the process of collaboration but also promotes the process for quality and accountability in humanitarian actions. Page 24