Saving lives, changing minds. 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

Saving lives, changing minds. Disaster Laws What is the model act?  Model domestic law to be adopted by the national legislature  Based on the internationally accepted recommendations of the IDRL Guidelines  Meant to apply only to non-conflict disasters

Saving lives, changing minds. Disaster Laws Why a model act?  In order to implement the IDRL Guidelines, some states will require new legislation  Many requests from governments and National Societies for model language  While model acts have many drawbacks, they can be a good starting point for discussion

Saving lives, changing minds. Disaster Laws Project partners IFRC OCHA IPU WCOMicrosoft Allen and Overy Baker and McKenzie Cameron McKenna

Saving lives, changing minds. Disaster Laws Pilot version  The current text of the model act and commentary is a pilot version. Comments still being invited.  The pilot version was launched at the 31st International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent.  Resolution 7 of the International Conference welcomed the effort to develop the act.

Saving lives, changing minds. Disaster Laws Main elements  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

Saving lives, changing minds. Disaster Laws Dilemmas  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