The increased occurrence of natural and human-caused disasters is causing extensive loss of life, damage to property, and harm to the environment. When a full-blown crisis erupts, the need for assistance frequently exceeds the ability of local governments to provide it. The response to natural and man-made disasters has been typically ad-hoc and not linked to overall development objectives of disaster-hit countries. Therefore, gaps between relief and development must be addressed. Piecemeal efforts which are not linked with the long-term development strategy can aggravate the precarious social conditions creating not only dependency on aid, but a critical waste of financial and human resources invested in short-sighted emergency relief plans.

UN-HABITAT’s long experience in pre-, mid- and post-disaster planning and implementation proves that in many post-disaster scenarios it is most effective when interventions are designed to begin simultaneously; consideration of long-term impacts of the short-term interventions can add value to the latter, depth to the former.

Being involved from the earliest stages of the crisis as a supporting partner in the resettlement, shelter, infrastructure and governance sectors, places UN-HABITAT in a critical position as an institutional partner assisting relevant humanitarian agencies, and planning early support for long term objectives. DMP’s unique ability to provide both immediate and long term support in situations of crisis will help promote greater understanding of and commitment to a Relief-Development approach in disaster and post conflict settings.