Launch of the updated guidelines on the use of military and civil defence assets in disaster relief

(Oslo/Geneva, 27 November 2006) - The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs convened today in Oslo for a high-level event marking the "re-launch" of the updated "Oslo Guidelines" for the use of military and civil defence assets in disaster relief.

The event, hosted by the Norwegian Government, was co-chaired by State Secretary, Raymond Johansen and UN Under-Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Jan Egeland.

"In order to protect the principles of humanity, neutrality, and impartiality and at the same time be prepared to use these valuable resources in extraordinary circumstances, we need to maintain a continuous professional dialogue with military and civil defence organizations throughout the world", said Jan Egeland .

More than hundred participants from both civilian and military parts of Member States and Organisations attended this forum to discuss issues pertaining to the practical use of the "Oslo Guidelines" and to have a high-level discussion on civil-military coordination and cooperation.

The task of civil-military coordination has grown tremendously since the Guidelines were endorsed in Oslo in 1994. Some recent examples of use of international Military and Civil Defence Assets (MCDA) in disasters are the earthquake in Iran in December 2003, the floods in Bangladesh in July 2004, the Tsunami in December 2004, the earthquake in Pakistan in 2005, and the floods in Algeria in February 2006.

In the case of the Tsunami response, 35 countries provided some type of military or civil defence capability for the operation. There were 75 helicopters, 41 major ships, 43 airplanes and nearly 30,000 troops involved. Clearly, this posed significant operational coordination challenges for all - for the affected host nations, for the assisting countries and for the UN and other relief organizations.

Member States, even those who do not give a primary role to their military forces in domestic response, are now using their military capacity for relief operations on a global basis. These resources range from traditional medical capacity and engineering support to the often-needed aviation capabilities used to speed assistance to the stricken population.

Foreign Military and Civil Defence Assets should always be a last resort for the international humanitarian community. Member States responding within their own borders will make their own decisions about how to use their own military resources or those that their governments invite to assist. However, the international humanitarian community and the UN agencies should only call on these resources when there are no other viable alternatives and with due regard for the sovereignty and leading role of the Local Emergency Management Authorities of the Affected State.

For further information, please contact: Elizabeth Byrs, OCHA-Geneva, +41 22 917 2653, mobile +41 79 473 4570; Stephanie Bunker, OCHA-New York, +1 917 367 5126, mobile +1 917 892 1679; Kristen Knutson, OCHA-New York, +917 367 9262.