ReliefWeb

1. Introduction

In order for action to be meaningful, it must be performed within a global context.

Although disaster response begins at the local level, it is carried out within the context of the global humanitarian system.

The main purpose of the Guide for Governments is to promote basic knowledge of the international humanitarian system in national authorities in Latin America and the Caribbean in order to facilitate, when needed, the rapid mobilization of humanitarian assistance to help governments respond to the immediate needs of those most affected by natural disasters.

In addition to background information on humanitarian action and actors and the roles and responsibilities of states, the guide provides essential tools and resources in four principle areas of action: coordination, financial resource mobilization, technical team mobilization and information management.