Purpose

This document presents guidelines for the Domestic Facilitation and Regulation of International Disaster Relief and Initial Recovery Assistance (the IDRL Guidelines). The guidelines are a set of recommendations to governments on how to prepare their disaster laws and plans for the common regulatory problems in international disaster relief operations. They advise them as to the minimal quality standards they should insist upon in humanitarian assistance, as well as the kinds of legal facilities aid-providers need to do their work effectively.

Overview

The guidelines look at:

• Core responsibilities: of affected states; of assisting actors; additional responsibilities of all states; and responsibilities concerning diversion and the intended use of resources.
• Early warning and preparedness: early warning; legal, policy and institutional frameworks; and regional and international support for domestic capacity.
• Initiation and termination of international disaster relief and initial recovery assistance: initiation; initiation of military relief; and termination.
• Eligibility for legal facilities: facilities for assisting humanitarian organisations; and facilities for other assisting actors.
• Legal facilities for entry and operations: personnel; goods and equipment; special goods and equipment; transport; temporary domestic legal status; taxation; security; extended hours; and costs.

Usage: Policy guidance

Audiences: National Society leadership; Technical staff

Citation: International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (2011). Introduction to the Guidelines for the Domestic Facilitation and Regulation of International Disaster Relief and Initial Recovery Assistance (pp. 1-28).