Information saves lives and is, in itself, a vital form of help in a situation of disaster. Affected people need information as much as eating or drinking. The victims need to know how to access aid, where their relatives are, guidance on safety and self-protection measures, how to avoid diseases resulting from the catastrophe…
Accurate information about such an event and its impact on the lives of those affected has a decisive influence on the allocation of resources for the victims. To the extent that what is happening and the needs of those affected are better communicated, it will be easier to receive funds necessary to maintain relief operations.
Below is a series of tips or guidelines that NGOs and humanitarian agencies can take into account when improving their communication in the field of disaster or emergency.
Focus on the victim, not on her
Communication about those affected, but above all, communication with them, will result in a more effective evaluation and provision of aid. In addition, the information is useful to the extent that it is provided to the affected person and makes it easier for them to take charge of their future, without depending on humanitarian aid. For this reason, the focus of humanitarian communication must be on the victim and always count on her active participation.
Strengthen relations with journalists, communicators and the media
After the emergence of social networks and other advances in information technology, some humanitarian entities have believed that it is not necessary to work with the media and seek their support because society can be reached without their cooperation. Big mistake. The role of the journalist is irreplaceable when reporting on a disaster. They are experts in information management and have the necessary expertise to move in complex contexts and also maintaining one of the maxims of journalism, verifying and contrasting sources, something not trivial.
quality content
Yes, the new information and communication technologies allow us narrative and dissemination possibilities unimaginable a few years ago. However, beyond the necessary use of ICTs, we cannot forget the maxim of optimal communication management: quality content.
Direct contact with the affected person is a cornerstone for any humanitarian communication about a disaster
This quality content, in addition to the different formats and narratives used, is the differential value of an NGO’s communication and what can give it greater credibility. Yes, we have to reach as many people as possible, but not at any price. And here, the price, let’s not forget, can be human lives. For this reason, the need to offer content that, while always respecting the dignity of the victims, makes it possible to obtain a more accurate global image of what is happening, the underlying causes and, yes, the ways to collaborate in resolving this problem. problem in the short, medium and long term.
Images; But not at any price
There has always been and will be an eternal ethical debate among the media about their coverage of disasters: how good is it to show or not to show? Do we have to offer those extremely harsh images? And, the most important question: Is it informatively relevant? We are not going to go into that debate, but we will go into the guidelines that humanitarian entities normally follow in this regard.
Eight of the world’s largest relief agencies signed in 1994 the so-called International Code of Conduct for Disaster Relief. In said document, universally accepted among NGOs, it is explicitly contemplated, under the prism of “humanitarian duty”, how communication must be approached. And it is indicated that in information activities victims must always be recognized as worthy human beings and not as hopeless objects that inspire compassion.
Exploit digital communications technology
Aid organizations have an obligation to exploit new digital communications technologies. For a simple reason; because its proper use saves lives. It is a responsibility. Its role is key in areas such as early warning, disaster relief or risk reduction, since the massive availability of mobile phones and the Internet has completely changed the paradigm of communication.
Social networks such as Facebook, TikTok or Twitter have demonstrated in this context, as in the current war in Ukraine, their capacity for dissemination and mobilization. They offer immediate information, from places of interest, with the maximum possible virality and dissemination. We will usually find out about a disaster through these networks and their correct management will allow us to access valuable information while maintaining, of course, the necessary verification criteria. But we will also be able to share advice in real time for the affected population, locate reference sources, deny hoaxes or rumours…
Scenario coverage
Social networks will provide us with instant information on any relevant news, the latest images, the resources provided by the victims themselves… But they will never replace a basic criterion that all NGOs should consider: go, see and tell. In the field.
Direct contact with the affected person is the cornerstone of any humanitarian communication about a disaster. No one better than the affected person to meet her needs. Those that we have to cover, with your help and participation. It is not enough to talk to the other. You have to smell, feel, breathe the same air, share the same place. Only in this way, trying to really put ourselves in the other’s shoes, will we be able to put together a real and credible communication. Leveraging, of course, technology.
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