1 Introduction

1.1 Overview

The Red Cross Red Crescent aims to respond to disasters as rapidly and effectively as possible, by mobilising its resources (people, money and other assets) and using its network in a coordinated manner so that the initial effects are countered and the needs of the affected communities are met.

The Australian Red Cross (ARC) is a key Partner National Society, supporting the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) response to natural disasters in the Asia-Pacific.

Eight of Australia’s major humanitarian organisations have issued a joint plea for urgent funds to help more than a million people who have fled extreme violence in Myanmar.

The new initiative is a reflection of the severity of the situation in Myanmar and Bangladesh—the fastest growing refugee crisis in the world.

The mass movement of people to the Cox’s Bazar region of Bangladesh has become increasingly desperate.

This document has been prepared to assist Red Cross Red Crescent Movement partners to better understand Bangladesh’s legal preparedness for international assistance, identifying and explaining relevant legal provisions for international assistance providers. It is a non-exhaustive desk-based research yet to go through national verification process, and is not intended to be a definitive analysis of Bangladesh’s disaster risk management system.

Australian Red Cross holds grave concerns for those asylum seekers who have lost basic assistance.

Australian Red Cross holds grave concerns for those asylum seekers who have lost basic assistance.

Red Cross CEO Judy Slatyer said, "Our view is that people should have their humanitarian needs met while in Australia regardless of legal status; they should never be left destitute in the Australian community. They should have their claims for protection fairly assessed and sustainable solutions must be found for people who need protection.

When disaster strikes, Vanuatu businesses can provide, store and distribute relief supplies through a single procurement system.

When Tropical Cyclone Pam hit Vanuatu in 2015, it was one of the worst disasters to ever hit the Pacific region. The Category 5 Cyclone left 75,000 people in need of emergency shelter.

One year later Cyclone Winston slammed into Fiji. Its 225mph winds demolished structures all across the main island. Another Category 5 cyclone, Winston left 44 people dead and was the strongest on record to make landfall anywhere in the world.