August 15, 2012

DARA was invited by Belgium’s Directorate-General for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid to present the Humanitarian Response Index 2011 findings, 15 May, Brussels.

The presentation was part of a discussion “Bridging the gap between policy and practice”, and also included a presentation from Caritas Europe highlighting similar issues and recommendations as the HRI 2011 report.

Topics discussed included humanitarian principles and civil military relationships, quality of funding and necessary reforms. Participants included Belgian government officials, representatives from Belgian humanitarian organizations, UN agencies, the ICRC, academics and the media.

Philip Tamminga, Head of DARA’s Humanitarian Aid Accountability Initiative, presented findings and recommendations from The Humanitarian Response Index and their implications for Belgian and European humanitarian aid policies and practices.

According to the HRI 2011 assessment, Belgium deserves mention for its concerted efforts to address some of the deficiencies identified in previous HRI assessments. Compared to 2010, Belgium’s scores improved significantly in quantitative indicators for the timeliness of funding, un-earmarked funding, funding to NGOs and for evaluations and support for accountability initiatives. This demonstrates that it is possible to make positive changes to donor practices in a very short period of time if there is sufficient political will and commitment.

The event was a good opportunity to gain feedback on the HRI’s usefulness. DARA is currently undertaking an HRI stakeholder consultation. If you would like to contribute your opinions, please participate in our survey.