DUSHANBE, June 17, 2013, Asia-Plus — The ‘National Meeting of Disaster Risk Reduction Partners on Stock-Taking of DRR Good Practices and Consultation on Ways Forward’ will be held at the Ismaili Centre in Dushanbe tomorrow.
The meeting is jointly organized by Oxfam, UNDP, UNICEF, WHO, Mercy Corps, Welthungerhilfe, Focus and Acted under financial support of the European Commission Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection Department (ECHO).
These organizations work closely with the Committee for Emergency Situations and Civil Defense, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health of the Government of Tajikistan to strengthen the country’s existing capacity in disaster preparedness and response, Oxfam Dushanbe Office said.
The purpose of the event is reportedly to share examples of good practice in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and also identify recommendations for future work in the sector. The event will provide an opportunity for attendees to have a productive discussion on how disaster risk reduction is integrated into the education and health sectors, with special emphasis on institutional capacity building and community based approaches.
Oxfam in Tajikistan’s Country Director, Mr. Ghazi Al Kelani said: “The meeting provides a great opportunity for organizations working in DRR to share examples of good practice and discuss ways forward for the sector. As a result of the meeting we will have a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities available, which will inform our future programming and have a real impact on disaster preparedness in Tajikistan.”
Over the years DIPECHO projects, with funding from ECHO, have supported capacity building initiatives targeting institutions and communities. Such projects have made a significant contribution to promoting disaster resilience in Tajikistan. DIPECHO projects have also helped engage and recognize the role of the most vulnerable groups in the society – women and children, in disaster management activities.
It is important to build on these achievements and further support Tajikistan in reducing the risk of natural disasters at various levels. More support is needed for further institutionalizing DRR policies, enhance structures and coordination mechanisms.
UNICEF Representative in Tajikistan Ms. Laylee Moshiri said: “Integrating Disaster Risk Preparedness into the school life is important to ensure that education officials, teachers, and children have the appropriate knowledge to mitigate the potential harm from disasters.”
It is also important that all stakeholders know their roles regarding how they will work together during a disaster. All DIPECHO partners adhere to the principles of good governance within the context of poverty alleviation and environmental protection.
The European Commission Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection Department (ECHO) is one of the biggest donors for humanitarian aid worldwide. With its funding nearly 20 million victims of natural or man-made disasters are helped each year in about 70 countries. The aid is distributed through 200 partner organizations (Red Cross and Red Crescent movement, specialized UN agencies and European NGOs) impartially to those who need it most independently of their religion, ethnic origin, gender or political affiliation.
