Establishment of National Humanitarian Network Gilgit-Baltistan Chapter (Date: 20 May 2015)

Transcription

1 Establishment of National Humanitarian Network Gilgit-Baltistan Chapter (Date: 20 May 2015) 1

2 Background On 19 March 2010 NDMA organized an Interactive Dialogue on Disaster Risk Management at Prime Minister Secretariat with the objective of rolling on the discussion on the formulation of a network comprising government, national and international organizations for experience sharing and better coordination in DRM related activities in the country. After this preliminary meeting Sungi Development Foundation was nominated as focal organization for further sharing the proceedings of the afore mentioned meeting and carry out discussion on establishment of a network to function as a NGO representative for community based disaster risk management and joint response in case of emergency along with NDMA and UN. After thorough deliberations with national and international organizations and consultations among national organizations Interim Working Group was formed; TORs were drafted through consultative process thus a national network with the title of National Humanitarian Network was formed with the support of its members. One of the primary objectives of this Humanitarian Network was to act as an institution that engages with all stakeholders that represent National / local NGOs through efficient and effective coordination mechanism. Structure of National Humanitarian Network 2

3 NHN Members Province/Region wise # of NHN Member Organizations Islamabad Punjab Sindh Balochistan KP-FATA AJK Formulation of NHN GB Chapter in Gilgit-Baltistan To formalize the structure of National Humanitarian Network, National Secretariat organized a consultative meeting at Gilgit to discuss and formulate GB Chapter of NHN in Gilgit-Baltistan. Representatives from CSOs, NGOs, social activist groups, Gilgit-Baltistan scouts and volunteers participated in the consultation. Participants were requested to give brief introduction to have an idea of their sector expertise. Current Humanitarian Situation in Pakistan Mr. Titus Prince, National Coordinator NHN National Secretariat briefed the participants about the current humanitarian situation of Pakistan to give the understanding of actual delineation of the entire scenario. National and local civil society is having a key role in overall humanitarian responses across the globe. In last two decades Pakistan has experienced the worst disasters of the history in shape of earthquake, floods and flash floods. During the humanitarian responses against the emerging humanitarian crisis it has been noticed that the local civil society has played the key and first responders role in humanitarian responses. It can be safely concluded that the humanitarian operations are dependent on local and national capacity due the following strengths of the local/national humanitarian organizations: Presence on ground and links to the affected population men, women and the vulnerable Local Knowledge and Acceptance Efficient Response due to their existence in affected areas 3

4 Capacity to handle security issues in sensitive areas worked in high risk areas Long term commitment, ownership and advocacy agendas In humanitarian responses partnerships always matter a lot. INGOs and UN agencies implement their humanitarian programs in partnership with local/national NGOs by utilizing their expertise and indigenous knowledge for efficient and effective response. These partnerships ensure cost effectiveness, resolve issues of acceptance in the communities, reduce security risks however the local organization work as implementing partners to access resources for affected communities and to develop their organizational capacity. In the last two decades it has been experienced by the local organizations that still there s a need to promote the agenda of empowered partnership by implementing and complying with Global Principles of Partnership (GPOP). Local NGOs need to be organized, assertive and able to negotiate partnership on mutual terms so that the local and national civil society could be strengthened and empowered; this will ultimately strengthen and enhance the local and national humanitarian capacity in Pakistan. Keeping in view the limitations of national NGOs and to make sure that the voices of local/civil society and community representatives have been heard NHN was established in 2010 after deliberate consultations at national level. National Humanitarian Network (NHN) He gave brief introduction of NHN that National Humanitarian Network (NHN) is a decentralized network of National NGOs (NNGOs) in Pakistan, led by an elected Chair and Central Executive Committee nationally, with provincial/regional chapters in five provinces (Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa/FATA, Azad Jammu Kashmir). Founded in 2010 in result of interactive dialogue in National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to act as an independent and vibrant voice to engage with stakeholders throughout Pakistan for promotion of humanitarian values by influencing policies and building capacities to ensure right based humanitarian response. The network has since decentralized and established provincial chapters and has taken up a formal representational role for the NNGO community in Pakistan at high-level coordination meetings by having significant role in Humanitarian Structure in Pakistan. As of March 9, 2015 NHN has 177 members across Pakistan and it is open for all national and local organizations engaged in humanitarian assistance or disaster management advocacy. 4

5 Sungi Development Foundation is hosting National Secretariat of NHN. Provincial and state NHN secretariats are being managed by the Provincial Executive Committees lead organizations. NHN is continually improving its capacity to act as an effective institution for raising voice of national civil society in Pakistan. NHN Gilgit-Baltistan Provincial Secretariat and Provincial Interim Working Group NHN structure was defined by Ms. Sana Zulfiqar, Coordination & Reporting Officer NHN National Secretariat. Requirements for hosting Provincial Secretariat were also shared with the participants. Keeping in view the required capacities for Provincial Secretariat and Provincial Interim Working Group; an electoral process was initiated however some of the well reputed organizations volunteered themselves to be the part of Interim Working Group. The lead members of Interim working group are as follows: Sr # Name Organization Position in NHN GB IWG 1. M. Tahir Shakir PMCC Chair 2. Karamat Ullah WADO Vice Chair 3. Marina Begum PMCC Secretary NHN National Secretariat Team Meetings with Key Stakeholders of GB NHN National Secretariat had two separate meetings with Mr. Ali Murad Khan, Minister for Planning & Development Gilgit-Baltistan and Mr. Ajmal Bhatee, Director General GBDMA & Secretary Services to introduce the NHN objectives and establishment of NHN Provincial Chapter at Gilgit-Baltistan. The mission, vision of the network and the key achievements made in were shared with the officials. DG GBDMA and Minister for Planning & Development welcomed NHN in Gilgit-Baltistan region and ensured their full support and corporation to NHN. Media Coverage of the Consultation 5

6 The consultation was covered by Radio Pakistan-Gilgit. A brief regarding National Humanitarian Network and the establishment of its Provincial Chapter in GB was given by the Coordination and Reporting officer. The formulation of NHN chapter establishment in Gilgit-Baltistan was on aired by Radio Pakistan in Gilgit region. 6