UNHCR and the International Humanitarian City conclude Emergency Management Training Course

DUBAI, 6th February, 2017 (WAM) -- The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Humanitarian City in Dubai (IHC) concluded on Monday an eight-day training course on Emergency Management in Dubai. Targeting twenty-six experts from government and humanitarian organizations in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the training provided crucial skills for those working in the Middle East and North Africa region, where conflicts have displaced more than 25 million people. The Emergency Management Training echoes UNHCR and IHC’s wider objectives of enhancing capacity building opportunities for emergency responders, in an effort to maximize and streamline humanitarian coordination and response. Led by UNHCR experts, the training provided participants with hands-on experiences, through a humanitarian crisis simulation in order to fine-tune participants’ emergency response skills. Among the key areas addressed were planning processes, negotiation and security, legal humanitarian principles, among others. "With the increase in violent conflicts in the region, it is imperative that UNHCR and key partners, such as the International Humanitarian City, do everything they can to provide practical training for those risking their lives to save others" said Toby Harward, Head of Office, UNHCR in the United Arab Emirates. "The International Humanitarian City (IHC) is proud to partner with UNHCR to implement and host the Emergency Management Training. This training reflects the sharp rise in the need for emergency aid in the form of food, shelter, and medicine due to intensifying conflicts in Syria, Yemen, Afghanistan, Nigeria and other trouble spots have led to mass displacement of over 65 million people. We believe that this training will equip the team to better handle crisis as and when they come up in the near future." said Giuseppe Saba, Advisor, International Humanitarian City. Commenting on the importance of IHC’s generous support for the training, Harward noted "I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the International Humanitarian City for hosting the Emergency Management Training, and for fostering an environment that is conducive to sharing experiences, and strengthening the capacity of humanitarian workers." UNHCR and IHC’s partners in the UAE also played a pivotal role that contributed to the success of the training. Dubai Police provided police volunteers and training materials for the delivery of the simulation scenarios. Similarly, over fifty volunteers from Takatof (Emirates Foundation) supported the simulation. Moreover, Salma Foods provided over three hundred ready-to-eat meals for the participants during the simulation. Upon completion of the training, participants will be able to effectively respond to international emergencies, while applying the basic standards of emergency response as per planning indicators for emergency operations. It also allows emergency responders to develop skills related to maintaining personal and team security and safety during disasters, and to successfully work with other international humanitarian actors according to international standards for humanitarian response. – Emirates News Agency, WAM -http://www.wam.ae/en/details/1395302595913