The results of a recent research project have demonstrated the importance of considering localization in the use of humanitarian actions, according to an article on Relief Web. Performed by the AHA Centre, an intergovernmental organization established by the ten AEAN Member States, in collaboration with the Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs, and the Hawaii based Center for Excellence in Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance, the project operated under a definition stating “Localization is a process of recognizing, respecting and strengthening the independence of leadership and decision-making of local actors in humanitarian and disaster response. Local actors include national actors, sub-national actors, local authorities, local communities and local civil society organisations.”
Examining the inputs from respondents, researchers found that while the AHA Centre was seen as having an important role in providing visibility to local actors, at both the regional and national level, there was still room for improvement in their support for localization, with recommendations including:
- Increased real-time communication with locals during disasters,
- Promoting local resources to reduce the challenges of language barriers, and
- Assigning specific individuals for engagement with civil society organizations.
Source:
