Three ‘R’s

Humanitarian experts speak of the two waves of any disaster. The first, of course, is the tragedy itself; the second is the aftermath which, if mishandled, could wreak lasting damage. Today, exactly 10 days after the first wave — the tsunami that has resulted wrought such damage— it’s time to review our progress in coping with the second wave, in terms of relief, rehabilitation and recovery. How far has national concern translated into national action? How far have the government and NGOs complemented each other’s efforts? Are there areas/communities left out because of procedural deficiencies?

There are three immediate challenges facing our ability to cope with the second wave. The first is to ensure the broad spectrum nature of such intervention since they concern the entire gamut of human existence. Recovery, for instance, has a physical dimension and a mental one. Healthcare is not just about reaching out to the severely injured but in ensuring that epidemics do not break out. The second challenge is access. This newspaper recently reported on the difficulties ordinary people have in getting through the paper work. This is where volunteers can play an enabling role. There are vulnerable groups, like children and the handicapped, who are by their very nature without access. The system must find ways to reach out to them wherever they are. The third challenge is sustainability. Everybody understands that recovering from a disaster of this magnitude takes time, even years. Human concern can be overwhelming, but it may not last for any great length of time. We need to keep the focus on these devastated areas even after it has ceased to be the staple of 24-hour news.

As we continue with our efforts to get life back on track in these parts, let us also remind ourselves of some basic principles. One, humanitarian assistance to the affected people is not a favour that we are doing them, it is their right to receive it. Two, that their sentiments and traditions must be respected even as we seek to become a part of their lives in order to assist them. Three, that alleviation should result in independence, not create lasting dependencies. Finally, we need sensitivity. Instead of imposing a pre-determined set of measures, it is best that the affected people, themselves, are involved in their own rehabilitation and recovery.