Left in the dark: The unmet need for information in humanitarian responses. Policy Briefing No. 2
This report recommends that the information needs of affected populations should be at the core of disaster relief and reduction strategy
Abstract
In the aftermath of disaster - such as the 2004 Asian Tsunami, the 2005 Kashmir earthquake and 2008’s cyclone Nargis and Sichuan earthquake - those affected have immediate humanitarian concerns; food, shelter, and medical attention. This policy briefing argues that affected populations also have immediate information needs that are currently unmet. Millions of people, already suffering or at risk through manmade crisis or natural disaster, are having their problems compounded because they are denied access to basic information that could help them save or rebuild their lives. It is concluded that the information needs of people affected by disasters are currently unmet because the people, systems and resources that are required to meet them simply don’t exist in a meaningful way. The authors recommend long term recognition of the information needs of affected populations should be at the core of both disaster relief and disaster risk reduction strategy.
Citation
Wall, I.; Robinson, L. Left in the dark: The unmet need for information in humanitarian responses. Policy Briefing No. 2. (2008) 8 pp.
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