Humanitarian Action: Develop a comprehensive policy in the humanitarian field
Germany has still not provided with a comprehensive strategy to guide the humanitarian programs of different ministries, but s relies on a set of policy documents and guidelines, each referring to a specific thematic issue.
The development of an overall strategy, building on the comparative advantages of various financing instruments, contribute to a more efficient allocation of tasks and promote the connection between the activities of immediate relief and reconstruction in the longer term.
It could also facilitate the establishment of a more comprehensive monitoring and evaluation programs for partners.
increase the financial resources allocated to humanitarian aid
The results achieved by Germany in terms of the framework of humanitarian assistance from DAC remain largely positive and the share of ODA committed to using it Humanitarian increased from 2% in 2004 to 3.3% in 2008. This share remains well below the DAC average for the same year, namely 9.2%, and Germany affect humanitarian action a far smaller proportion of ODA that most other DAC members.
Given the position it occupies among the most generous donors, and given the scale of humanitarian needs across the world, Germany should further increase the financial resources it makes the service of humanitarian assistance.
give breakdown of tasks, strengthen ties and enhance the impact thematic
Humanitarian assistance falls under two ministries: the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs deals with BMZ and emergency crisis situations that extend and reconstruction activities following disasters.
A Coordination Committee for Humanitarian Aid coordinates the interventions of the BMZ, Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other stakeholders domestic relief. It meets at regular intervals and may also be convened at short notice in case of crisis or sudden disaster.
It should do no less to clarify the division of tasks between the two departments, and also to strengthen the links between agents of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs working in the humanitarian field and specialists questions development employed by the BMZ. There is one good example with the program for reducing disaster risk: although the latter is financed by both departments, there is no structure unified supervision or formal links between subject matter experts in both departments, which impedes learning and consolidation of the program while reducing disaster risk is a priority area for Germany.
Separation of means of action between the two departments also adds significantly to transaction costs for partners, especially in case of prolonged crisis, because it forces them to prepare proposals and issue separate reports, according presentations and different instructions for different parts of the same project.
If funding quick-release provided by the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs are beyond reproach, its short-term projects, however, go against the principles and best practices for action humanitarian, especially in terms of operational flexibility and support of reconstruction in the longer term.
Closer coordination is needed on the strategic issues as well operationally, and Germany should apply to set up formal mechanisms for this purpose. A Better coordination would also better connect the immediate relief and reconstruction programs in the longer term. The DAC welcomed the interdepartmental evaluation in three phases of German humanitarian aid, intended to improve the impact of the latter on the ground. Greater attention to the establishment of independent mechanisms for monitoring and reporting capabilities for humanitarian programs and projects also enhance learning and accountability.
Recommendations
To further strengthen the impact of its humanitarian, Germany should: develop a comprehensive policy in the field of humanitarian, building on the comparative advantages of its various instruments, better connect with emergency and development programs, and continue increasing the financial resources allocated to humanitarian action and make a better coordination on issues of policy and strategic direction and clarify the division of tasks between the BMZ and the Foreign Ministry; standardize the procedures for submission of proposals and report to partners wishing to obtain financing, and strengthen the thematic links between the public and those of civil society active in the German humanitarian aid.
source OECD
