UK launches ‘rapid response’ disaster relief network

9 Mar 12
The UK Department for International Development has set up a network of organisations to provide aid speedily in major international crises.

By Nick Mann | 7 March 2012

The UK Department for International Development has set up a network of organisations to provide aid speedily in major international crises.

The Rapid Response Facility brings together 33 charities and companies approved by the department to access the government funding they need to mobilise within 72 hours of a disaster.

Among those approved are larger charities such as Christian Aid and Oxfam, alongside specialist organisations such as medical relief charity Merlin and water purifier company Lifesaver Systems.

According to the department, it is the first time a UK government has involved the private sector as well as non-governmental organisations in this way.

Announcing the initiative today, UK International Development Secretary Andrew Mitchell said: ‘We need our best experts, equipment and aid on the ground quickly after a disaster, not tied up in red tape. They need to be able to do their job in the vital window of 72 hours, to save as many lives as possible.

‘These organisations represent the very best performing disaster response agencies. They will deliver value for money for British taxpayers, and results that best benefit affected people. This allows them to focus on delivery, not paperwork.’

The DFID has already run a ‘real-time’ disaster planning exercise to test how the new facility would get help to affected people quickly and effectively. The department stressed that it could also revoke the approval of any of the organisations involved at the ‘first sign’ of poor performance.

Establishing the RRF was among the commitments made by the DFID in its response to Lord Ashdown’s 2011 review of the UK’s response to humanitarian emergencies.

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