Even though each emergency is unique and poses a new set of challenges, a strong emergency-preparedness capacity can facilitate a rapid and effective response that saves lives. Allocating responsibility for specific sectors to particular lead agencies is one way to ensure a more effective approach. Moreover, support functions such as logistics, administration and telecommunications have demonstrated their core value on many occasions, and should therefore be provided with sufficient funding.

Humanitarian space can be widened by adopting concrete measures to better protect staff. Partnerships with UN peacekeeping and civilian missions, as well as with regional organizations, could facilitate a regional response to the protection of displaced persons. Meanwhile, the implications of using military personnel must be assessed on a case-by-case basis to better gauge their impact on humanitarian neutrality.

Working in partnership with potentially affected states goes beyond inter-agency coordination and memorandums of understanding. The United Nations, NGOs and donors have a role when states fail, or are unable, to take on a central humanitarian role. At a minimum, this would see international aid bodies working closely together to provide funding, technical assistance and, when requested, leadership to states that are affected by conflict-induced displacement.

Finally, with hostility towards migrants and refugees on the rise, the containment approach remains attractive to many governments. Continuous efforts will therefore be needed to remind states of their responsibilities under the 1951 UN Refugee Convention to ensure that borders are not sealed off.

Recent developments

Box 4.1 Presevo Valley: preventing another disaster in the Balkans