InterWorks recently co-facilitated a disaster management workshop for government, United Nations and civil society partners from the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) and Palau.

The programme focused on how States, the UN and their partners can better respond to emergencies in the context of rapid-onset natural disasters in the Pacific. Through table top simulations and interactive group discussions, participants identified key challenges in the context of inter-agency coordination, and developed strategies for improving the coordination of multi-sectoral emergency responses.

Participants also increased their knowledge of rapid needs assessment tools; protection in emergencies; the practical implications of human rights standards in natural disasters; and international standards in technical sectors, including water, sanitation, hygiene, nutrition, shelter, and logistics.

Representatives from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) contributed to the event, highlighting the relationship between local governments, the UN system and U.S. foreign disaster assistance in the context of Compacts of Free Association with FSM and RMI.

In addition to InterWorks, course instructors included emergency specialists from UNHCR, OCHA, and RedR Australia.

Workshop Materials for the event are available through the UNHCR eCentre.

Photos courtesy of the UNHCR eCentre.