Transcript Slide 1

Disaster
Laws
Model Act for the Facilitation and Regulation of
International Disaster Relief and Initial
Recovery Assistance
(Pilot Version)
David Fisher, Coordinator
IFRC Disaster Law Programme
www.ifrc.org
Saving lives, changing minds.
Disaster
Laws
What is the model act?
www.ifrc.org
Saving lives, changing minds.
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Model domestic law to be adopted
by the national legislature
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Based on the internationally
accepted recommendations of the
IDRL Guidelines
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Meant to apply only to non-conflict
disasters
Disaster
Laws
Why a model act?
www.ifrc.org
Saving lives, changing minds.

In order to implement the IDRL
Guidelines, some states will require
new legislation
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Many requests from governments and
National Societies for model language
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While model acts have many
drawbacks, they can be a good
starting point for discussion
Disaster
Laws
Project partners
WCO
Cameron
McKenna
IFRC
Microsoft
OCHA
IPU
Baker and
McKenzie
www.ifrc.org
Saving lives, changing minds.
Allen and
Overy
Disaster
Laws
Pilot version
www.ifrc.org
Saving lives, changing minds.

The current text of the model act and
commentary is a pilot version.
Comments still being invited.
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The pilot version was launched at the
31st International Conference of the
Red Cross and Red Crescent.
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Resolution 7 of the International
Conference welcomed the effort to
develop the act.
Disaster
Laws
Main elements
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www.ifrc.org
Saving lives, changing minds.
Procedures for handling requests
and offers
International Disaster Relief and
Initial Recovery Periods
Institutional mechanisms
System for eligibility
Legal facilities (customs, tax, etc.)
Minimum standards
Transit
Disaster
Laws
Dilemmas
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How to ensure both speedy access
and adequate oversight
 How to create clarity without
sacrificing flexbility
 How to rationalize the many legal
issues generally covered by separate
areas of law
www.ifrc.org
Saving lives, changing minds.