In April the eCentre organized its first workshop in Central Asia.
From 6 to 10 April 2009, the eCentre organized the Central Asia Emergency and Disaster Workshop, its first-ever workshop in Central Asia, in Astana, Kazakhstan. Hosted by the Ministry of Emergencies and Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the event brought together a total of 31 emergency responders from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan to discuss ways to improve response to humanitarian emergencies.
The workshop was designed to improve response to emergencies by exploring problems, standards and best practices in key areas of emergency and disaster management. Areas explored in detail included protection of the rights of affected people, emergency assessment, food and nutrition, emergency shelter, water and sanitation and coordination in emergencies.
The workshop featured presentations from experts from both within and outside the region, and numerous interactive demonstrations and exercises. In the end, the participants reported leaving with a greater understanding of international standards used in dealing with emergencies, and familiarity with colleagues and approaches used in facing crises in neighboring countries.
The Central Asia Emergency and Disaster Management Workshop was organized by the UNHCR eCentre incooperation with the Ministry of Emergencies and Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Further support was provided by partners RedR Australia, InterWorks L.L.C., and the UNHCR Representation in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
