Capacity Development of the First Humanitarian Responder Should Be a Priority Now

Aug 19, 2016

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Dhaka, 19th August 2016. Today all local national and international non-government organization (NGO) along with UN organizations has observed the 19th August World Humanitarian Day as declared by United Nation, through a seminar held in CIRDAP auditorium, Dhaka. Speakers in the seminar emphasized the capacity development of first humanitarian responder i.e. capacity of the local NGOs and community organizations should be considered as priority and urgent. The seminar title “ WHS (World Humanitarian Summit) Outcomes : Experiences of Recent Disaster Response in Bangladesh” were jointly organized by Action Aid, BRAC, Christian Aid, COAST, Concern Worldwide, Concern Universal, Dun Church Aid, Disaster Forum, DSK, International Federation of Red Crescent, Islamic Relief, Muslim Aid, Oxfam, Plan International, Practical Action, NIRAPAD, Save the Children, SKS Foundation, Tear Fund, International Organization of Migration (IoM) , United Nation Resident Coordinator (UNRC) , Wave foundation and World Vision.
The seminar was moderated by Rezaul Karim Chowdhury of COAST, chief guest was Md Shaha Kamal, Secretary, Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, special guests are Dr Mahbuba Nasreen from Dhaka University, Mr. Badi Akhter from Oxfam, Mr. Nayeem Warha from BRAC, Mr Asif Munier from IoM, Kazi Sahidur Rahaman from UNRC, Mr Shakeb Nabi from Christian Aid, Ms. Hasina Inam from DCA, Ms. Hasin Jahan from Practical Action and Mr. Rafiqul Alam from Dwip Unnayan Sangsta Hatiya. Mr Adit Saah durjoy of Red Crescent, Mr Shawkat Ali Tutul of COAST given the key note presentation.
Mr Shawkat Ali Tutul of COAST in his key note presentation highlighted major outcome of the WHS which are charter for change i.e. commitment to increase funding to local NGOs by international NGOs, lunching of NEAR (Network for Empowering Aid Response) an allianceof southern NGOs, Platform of Disaster Displacement i.e. an state lead initiative to recognize the climate induced displacement where Germany is the chair and Bangladesh is the vice chair. Mr. Nayeem Gowhar Warha emphasized the localization and accountability as major outcome of the WHS; he mentioned that food security of some of some remotest district like Bandarban and Sunamganj should get priority. Mr. Badi Akhter of Oxfam given emphasize on integration of climate adaptation in humanitarian response, he urged for involvement of women right organizations in this regard. Mr Asif Munier of IoM urged for integration of migration, refugee issues and displacement in humanitarian responses.
Dr Mahbuba Nasreen of Dhaka University said that the country has now more resources to invest in humanitarianism and the priority should be to develope capacity of the community and local NGOs in this regard. Md Shaha Kamal Secretary of the Ministry said that INGOs should involve in monitoring while they should fund for implementation by local NGOs.