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Sierra Leone Red Cross Society

IDRL Project in Sierra Leone - 2009

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The SRCS, GOSL & IDRL

For the last 8 years, Sierra Leone has been recovering from the ravages of a 10-year civil war.

The National Security and Central Intelligence Act was passed in 2002, which established the ONS

In 2004, the D M Dept of the ONS carried out, in collaboration with the SLRCS & other partners a “National Hazard Review”.

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National DM Plan & Policy

a Draft National DM Plan and a National D M Policy have been prepared. Cooperation between the SLRCS and the government has been very strong throughout this institution-building process.

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ONS DM next step

A disaster management legislation to shore up political commitment and strengthen necessary systems will be the next step.

The IFRC IDRL led project thus becomes an opportunity

SLRCS as auxiliary to its govt naturally steps in to continue support with the process

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The Disaster Profile of SL

SL has not been dramatically prone to (non-conflict) disasters. Over the last 20 yrs, it suffered 34 events affecting 4 % of the population.

This places it roughly in the middle of African states in terms of disaster incidence and below average for the number of persons affected. However, it is – ranked at the very bottom of the most recent UNDP H D I

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The IDRL Pilot Project

A technical assistance project to strengthen legal preparedness for international disaster assistance in Sierra Leone

  It is based on the new “IDRL Guidelines” adopted by the state parties to the Geneva Conventions at the 30th International Conference of the R C and RC in November 2007

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Where are we now?

The project was launched in February A Research Consultant has been

engaged, based in Sierra Leone, tasked with the responsibility to carry out the research and organise consultations and wkshps

A Task Force has been formed with a chair from the ONS and includes key stakeholders

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Research

National Hazard Profile collated – pattern showed 5 hazards types – hydrological, epidemic, ecological, climatic and pest invasion

Using the guidelines key legal issues were identified in a given scenario of disaster requiring international support and coordination

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Research Findings on Legal frame work

United Nations(UN) treaties African Union Agreements and Treaties Ecowas Agreements Mano River Agreements

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Next Steps

National IDRL workshop to be held in June to discuss research findings

Task force follow up on issues from National Workshop

Recommendations and next level interventions planned with govt

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Challenges and potential Barriers

Government bureaucracy and red tape in formulating a law

Funding and continued support from IFRC where activities may be extended

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Lessons Learnt

It can be done. Valuable work in legal preparedness. Issues involve will lead to efficient, effective and coordinated aid delivery in major disasters needing international response.

A great boost for partnership between govt and a nationals Society in the latter’s auxiliary status.