caos Biannual Review of Crisis Action & Relief Efforts

[Orioni]

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1. Introduction

Recognising the need to contribute to disaster response and recovery efforts, the Entente of Oriental States (EOS) established in 2006 its own mechanism to provide international assistance to governments when such governments elevate a request for humanitarian assistance. In 2020, the EOS underwent a major restructuring. Since 2020, all response activities within the Civil Administration of Oriental States (CAOS) are coordinated by the office for the Crisis Action & Relief Efforts (CARE). Several pre-existing offices were merged to enhance its effectiveness and efficiency in managing crisis situations.

Under the auspices of CARE, the CAOS has been able to coordinate humanitarian assistance more effectively and efficiently, leveraging the collective expertise and resources of the member states. The establishment of CARE has also facilitated the establishment of a dedicated platform for sharing best practices and lessons learned among member states in responding to disasters and crises.

In addition to its core mandate of managing disaster response and relief efforts, CARE has also taken on a broader role in promoting disaster risk reduction and preparedness among member states. By working closely with relevant government agencies, non-governmental organisations, and other stakeholders, CARE has been able to enhance the resilience of communities and institutions in the face of disasters and crises.

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1.1. Response, Recovery, Reconstruction

The CARE office, under the aegis of the CAOS, may dispatch a team to the country within 12 to 48 hours at the request of the government affected by a disaster. CARE teams are comprised of highly trained and experienced professionals in disaster management and response. They work closely with local authorities, non-governmental organisations, and other stakeholders to assess the damage caused by the disaster and identify the most urgent needs of affected communities. Based on this assessment, CARE teams help to develop a response plan that is tailored to the specific needs of the affected communities, ensuring that the most vulnerable individuals receive the necessary assistance.

In addition to providing technical assistance on-site, CARE teams aim to facilitate close links between country-level, regional, and international response efforts. By leveraging the collective expertise and resources of the member states of the CAOS, CARE teams are able to provide a more coordinated and effective response to disasters and crises in the region.

When deemed appropriate, the CAOS may also set up a local crisis centre to help local authorities in a disaster-affected country to coordinate international relief efforts. This crisis centre serves as a hub for coordinating relief efforts, ensuring that aid is delivered to the areas and communities that require it most. The crisis centre is staffed by trained professionals who work around the clock to ensure that relief efforts are coordinated and effective.

To enhance its disaster response capabilities, CARE conducts regular training and capacity-building programs for its staff and partners. These programs are aimed at enhancing the skills and knowledge of disaster management professionals in the region, ensuring that they are equipped to respond effectively to disasters and crises in the future.

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1.2. Logistics

As part of its efforts to enhance its disaster response capabilities, the Crisis Action & Relief Efforts (CARE) office has established a network of logistics hubs across Alharu, Europa, Marenesia, and Thalassa. These depots are strategically located near major ports and airports, enabling CARE to procure, manage, and transport emergency supplies for the humanitarian community more efficiently and effectively.

The network of depots serves as a one-stop-shop for CARE partners, offering free storage, procurement, transport, handling, and technical field expertise. CARE partners can request services in any region and coordinate their response efforts, lending and borrowing stock, and accessing unbranded items.

The logistics hubs are staffed by highly trained professionals who are experienced in disaster response and logistics management. They work around the clock to ensure that emergency supplies are procured, managed, and transported in a timely and efficient manner, ensuring that aid reaches the areas and communities that need it most.

In addition to providing logistical support to CARE partners, the logistics hubs also serve as a platform for sharing best practices and lessons learned in disaster response and logistics management. By working closely with its partners, CARE is able to identify gaps and challenges in disaster response and logistics management and develop innovative solutions to address them.

CARE's network of logistics hubs is constantly expanding to meet the growing demand for emergency supplies and logistical support in the region. By establishing a strong and reliable supply chain for emergency supplies, CARE is able to ensure that aid is delivered to the areas and communities that require it most in a timely and effective manner. This contributes to the overall efforts to mitigate the impact of disasters and crises in the region.

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2. Biannual review (February 2023)

The Crisis Action & Relief Efforts (CARE) plays a crucial role in the humanitarian response efforts of the Civil Administration of Oriental States (CAOS) and its partners. With hubs located across Alharu, Europa, Marenesia, and Thalassa, the CARE network serves as a glubal platform for the procurement, storage, and distribution of emergency supplies and equipment.

• The CARE hubs have demonstrated a strong performance in meeting the needs of the humanitarian community, particularly during emergencies and crises. They have effectively managed the procurement and storage of emergency supplies and equipment, ensuring that they are readily available when required. The hubs have also demonstrated a high level of efficiency in the transportation and distribution of these supplies, often working under challenging and time-sensitive conditions.
• In terms of service quality, the CARE hubs have consistently received positive feedback from their partners, who have commended their professionalism, responsiveness, and commitment to providing high-quality services. The hubs have demonstrated a high level of technical expertise, providing their partners with valuable advice and support on matters related to procurement, storage, and transportation.
• One of the strengths of the CARE network is its ability to leverage the expertise and resources of its partners to enhance its performance. Through partnerships with other humanitarian organisations, the CARE has been able to expand its capacity and improve its efficiency, resulting in better outcomes for the communities it serves.
• However, there are areas where the CARE network could improve its performance. One of these is the need to strengthen the coordination and communication between the hubs and their partners, particularly during emergencies and crises. This would ensure a more efficient and effective response, with a greater focus on meeting the needs of the affected communities.
• Another issue is the lack of adequate storage space for the emergency supplies and equipment. This is particularly problematic during times of high demand, when the number of incoming supplies exceeds the available storage capacity. This can lead to delays in the processing and distribution of emergency supplies, which can have serious consequences for the affected communities.
• There is also the problem of the lack of proper maintenance of the equipment and facilities, which can lead to breakdowns and delays in the processing and distribution of supplies. This can be particularly problematic during emergencies, when there is a need for quick and efficient response.

The CARE hubs located across Alharu, Europa, Marenesia, and Thalassa have demonstrated a strong performance in meeting the needs of the humanitarian community. They have been effective in managing the procurement, storage, and distribution of emergency supplies and equipment, and have received positive feedback from their partners. There is room for improvement in terms of coordination and communication, but overall, the CARE network has made a significant contribution to the humanitarian response efforts of the CAOS and its partners.