Infoasaid
Humanitarian information service in areas where it is the most needed
Context and Issue:
It is increasingly recognised that when crisis or disaster strikes, people need information as much as they need shelter food, water and safety. Humanitarian responses are often undermined, often insufficiently effective – and even counterproductive – if people’s information needs are not given adequate priority during humanitarian crises. Following the launch of the BBC World Service Trust (WST) briefing paper “Left in the Dark: The unmet need for information in humanitarian responses”, a number of aid agencies have recognised the positive impacts that the provision of communication with affected populations has on rapid response effectiveness. As a result, key players in the sector have agreed to map what can be done in response. Aid agencies have called on media development organisations such as the BBC WST and Internews Europe to provide guidance and consultation to help them establish best practices and communicate effectively with the populations they serve.
Project's activities:
After ensuring coordination with local and international partners including UN clusters and Humanitarian Information Coordinators, Internews and its partners assess the information needs of affected populations and the capacity of local media to provide this information. They disseminate humanitarian messaging, establishing and facilitating the best mechanisms for enabling two-way communication between aid agencies and disaster affected people. Meanwhile, remedial technical assistance is provided to local media (e.g recording and transmission equipment). Mobile phones and radios are also to be distributed to affected populations
Participants and Beneficiaries:
The combined reputation, experience and resources of the BBC WST and Internews uniquely positioned this consortium to deliver the initiative to the highest standards and with maximum impact. Both organisations had already proven their capacity to mount major relief operations and to deliver the right to information to people who need it the most. The project team works hand-in-hand with aid agencies deployed in-country to meet the information needs of affected populations in emergencies. Training modules were also designed and delivered, along with bespoke consultation in collaboration with these agencies. As a result, participating leaders have enhanced skills in transforming communications with disaster-affected populations and how to tailor approaches to their own emergency programmes. Many aid agencies have received support from the BBCWST and Internews on a range of issues related to communication with affected populations - from research design, to writing messaging for audiences, to identifying new mechanisms for interacting with the communities.
Outcomes:
InfoAsAid staff have been responding to the Pakistan Floods by working with existing BBC and Internews teams in-country and providing two Humanitarian Liaison Officers for both Peshawar and Islamabad. These roles liaise between the Clusters to the BBC and Internews production teams. InfoAsAid is also funding the production of BBC Lifeline programming. The BBC Urdu’s programme is broadcast on up to 34 partner stations, reaching over 60 million people. Meanwhile, a flyer is being distributed to promote the Lifeline Broadcast and analysis is being carried out on the many calls to the BBC Urdu Service.
"Very often it is the simplest information such as where to get food or how to avoid diseases that can save thousands of lives."
Caroline Nursey, Director of the BBC World Trust
