International humanitarian standards under the leadership of the GoV Ha Noi, 4 November 2008

Cluster Leadership Approach In case of major disaster -(i) national capacities overwhelmed, (ii) Emergency requiring a multi-sectoral response and, (iii) long term impact- strengthened coordination mechanisms will be required. CLA aims to improved international support in the aftermath of a disaster (emergency, rehabilitation, reconstruction). Consequently, national response would be benefited. Vietnam complying with humanitarian reform and international standards

What are the global/suggested clusters? Coordination cluster where cluster leads/co-leads meet

CLA can/must be adjusted to national needs Leads should only be designated for the sectors that are relevant to the emergency Cluster leads: GoV or International Community? Cluster co-leads and members? Cluster ToRs Cluster workplans

What are Cluster Leads Responsible For? Accountable for ensuring system-wide preparedness and technical capacity to respond to humanitarian emergencies Ensuring greater predictability Responsible for establishing broad partnership bases (i.e. "clusters") Advocate for adequate Standards and policy-setting Arrangement for operational support (last resort suppliers)

Are Participants in Cluster Groups Accountable to the Cluster Lead? The cluster approach itself does not require that humanitarian actors be held accountable to sector leads It does not demand accountability of non-UN actors to UN agencies Individual humanitarian organizations can only be held accountable to sector leads in cases where they have made specific commitments to this effect

Cluster approach in Vietnam (context) Is it new? Ministries, CCFSC/IAWGand NGO RC sectoral working groups Could it be relevant? In case of major disaster/complex emergency What is the particular context in Viet Nam? Strong leadership and capacity from the Government Number of active INGOs (that will increase dramatically in case of major disaster) One UN: advocating for international standards

Cluster approach in Vietnam Different cluster – different GoV agencies leading. Examples: Emergency shelter: Lead MoC, co – lead IFRC Agriculture: Lead MARD, co-lead Oxfam or FAO Health cluster: Lead MoH, co-lead WHO Etc. Coordination cluster (crucial): Cluster lead: CCFSC/PACCOM Cluster co-lead: DMWG or UN

Consultation - Govt CCFSC, DMC Very high level of interest and support Strong desire for further discussion/preparations Support for Government to take lead role PACCOM Supports application of CLA Stressed the need to gain support and input from NGOs and DMWG Discussion of possible links with NGO Resource Centre Working Groups

Consultation - NGOs NGO sample group Strong support for cluster leadership approach Preparation must take place to eliminate possible problems Surveys Generally very positive Possible issues raised: No record of “major disaster” in Vietnam Coordination/competition between clusters Accountability Internal organization communication

Conclusions Cluster Leadership Approach is necessary and appropriate for Vietnam for major disasters only. Strong interest from Govt and NGOs Must be customized to Vietnamese context, including: Govt ministries/agencies as cluster leads NGOs or UN agencies as co-leads Detailed planning need to be ready and to avoid possible problems

Recommendation DMWG to agree to move forward with preparations for the implementation of the cluster leadership approach in the event of a major disaster, including: Continue discussions with Government and other key stakeholders Identify and confirm cluster leads, co-leads and members Review and finalize draft TORs and structure including roles and responsibilities

Scenario Major Typhoon hits northern Vietnam Storm damage as far inland as Thai Nguyen Flooding and Flash Flooding from Quang Ninh to Dien Bien and as far south as Thanh Hoa 26 Provinces (Population: approx. 30 million) 11 provinces severely affected Another 15 partially affected 200+ NGOs, UN agencies, donors and other organizations seeking to provide assistance 90+ to support most affect province of Hai Phong 120+ to supply food