Information Sharing and Humanitarian
UNIVERSITY
INFORMATION SHARING AND HUMANITARIAN EFFORTS
BY
September 27, 2012
Introduction
In today’s information sharing data has been a critical piece of the puzzle for the success of businesses, governments and non-government organizations. The purpose behind information sharing is to provide information to others, proactively or upon request which can aid in effective decision making.
The article chosen discusses information sharing problems within Humanitarian organizations. It asks the question if a collaborative web-platform for sharing information on refugees will improve response time. The need for information sharing during a crisis has become apparent, emphasizing on improving access to information to facilitate international humanitarian coordination for response and relief efforts. Information sharing aids in the efficiency of refugees services such as funding, response time, food distribution and health services.
While information technology is essential for organizational efforts, the challenge is to serve as a tool for collaboration between vertical organizations. The 2005 World Disasters Report concluded disaster affected people “need information as much as water, food, medicine or shelter. Information can save lives, livelihoods and resources.” Responding to the Indian Ocean tsunami disaster, aid agencies distributed remarkable amounts of relief aid. But despite this, some needy groups were missed. In some cases, aid went to men and the specific needs of women were not met. In other cases, aid went to dominant social groups, sidelining tribal people and outcastes. Information about them was lacking.
Information Sharing and Humanitarian Efforts
Anywhere in the world there are people who are in need of aid to help them survive on minimal standards. Humanitarian organizations are typically non-governmental organizations (NGO’s) that organize projects and programs in two major areas: * Relief Activities *
INFORMATION SHARING AND HUMANITARIAN EFFORTS
BY
September 27, 2012
Introduction
In today’s information sharing data has been a critical piece of the puzzle for the success of businesses, governments and non-government organizations. The purpose behind information sharing is to provide information to others, proactively or upon request which can aid in effective decision making.
The article chosen discusses information sharing problems within Humanitarian organizations. It asks the question if a collaborative web-platform for sharing information on refugees will improve response time. The need for information sharing during a crisis has become apparent, emphasizing on improving access to information to facilitate international humanitarian coordination for response and relief efforts. Information sharing aids in the efficiency of refugees services such as funding, response time, food distribution and health services.
While information technology is essential for organizational efforts, the challenge is to serve as a tool for collaboration between vertical organizations. The 2005 World Disasters Report concluded disaster affected people “need information as much as water, food, medicine or shelter. Information can save lives, livelihoods and resources.” Responding to the Indian Ocean tsunami disaster, aid agencies distributed remarkable amounts of relief aid. But despite this, some needy groups were missed. In some cases, aid went to men and the specific needs of women were not met. In other cases, aid went to dominant social groups, sidelining tribal people and outcastes. Information about them was lacking.
Information Sharing and Humanitarian Efforts
Anywhere in the world there are people who are in need of aid to help them survive on minimal standards. Humanitarian organizations are typically non-governmental organizations (NGO’s) that organize projects and programs in two major areas: * Relief Activities *
References: Benelli, Prisca, Alessandro Guarino, and Jen Ziemke. 2011. Sharing sensitive data on forced migrants. Forced Migration Review no. 38: 38-39, http://search.proquest.com/docview/1011325389?accountid=8289. Crabtree, Kristi. 2011.GBV data collection and sharing.." Forced Migration Review, no. 38:30 Huesemann, Stefan International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. World Disasters Report: Focus on Information in Disasters. Publication, Geneva: International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, 2005. [ 4 ]. Benelli, 2011 [ 5 ] [ 6 ]. Kristi Crabtree,. 2011.GBV data collection and sharing.." Forced Migration Review, no. 38:30