Red Cross federation presses for a global disaster treaty
The campaign calls for common rules to help countries coordinate assistance across borders.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is asking governments to support a treaty on the protection of people in disasters. Its September campaign argues that an international agreement could clarify how countries work together before a disaster and during the response.
For humanitarian organizations, coordination can shape how quickly assistance reaches people affected by floods, storms and other emergencies. The federation wants a framework that covers preparedness as well as cross-border help after a disaster.
UN member states have agreed to negotiate the proposed treaty. The campaign is pressing governments to support its adoption as those discussions move forward.