The IFRC and the Dominican Republic Red Cross Society have launched a new report on the laws, rules and procedures in the Dominican Republic for managing international assistance in the event of a future disaster. Developed in cooperation with the National Emergency Commission and with oversight of an inter-ministerial working group, the study examined the Dominican Republic’s existing procedures in light of the recommendations of the Guidelines for the domestic facilitation and regulation of international disaster relief and initial recovery assistance, (IDRL Guidelines) and other international and regional standards.
The report finds a number of strengths, in particular the quick facilitation provided on an ad hoc basis to humanitarian relief that transited through the country in support of Haiti after the 2010 earthquake. However, it also notes a number of gaps in existing adopted procedures, in particular for registering foreign organizations, the entry of relief personnel and goods, and the oversight of relief operations. The report articulates a number of recommendations developed jointly with the working group, looking to the strengthening of some existing laws and regulations as well as the development of dedicated manuals and protocols on international assistance.
The report is available in Spanish only.
