DSV - Global Transport and Logistics’ Post

🛫Humanitarian Aid in Emergencies: Delivery Beyond Borders When a crisis strikes, the first question is: how do we get help to people in time? It’s not just about trucks or warehouses. Humanitarian delivery is a system of lifelines: food, water, shelter, medical care, cash support. But in every emergency, one truth becomes clear: aid doesn’t move without coordination. 🌍 Real-world lessons: 💠 Nepal Earthquake (2015): With roads destroyed, helicopters, mules, and even porters carried supplies into remote valleys. The World Food Programme (WFP) worked hand-in-hand with the Nepalese Army and international responders to make delivery possible. 💠 Ukraine (2022): At the onset of the war, United Nations OCHA deployed surge staff to Rzeszów, Poland, transforming it into a coordination hub. This staging point linked United Nations agencies, governments, and NGOs, allowing aid convoys, medical teams, and relief goods to cross the border in an organized flow. 💠 Türkiye–Syria Earthquakes (2023): United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) set up an On-Site Operations Coordination Centre (#OSOCC) in Gaziantep, with sub-centres in multiple provinces. Working with T.C. İçişleri Bakanlığı Afet ve Acil Durum Yönetimi Başkanlığı - AFAD, OCHA, and European Union partners, this mechanism ensured that dozens of international teams, relief flights, and search-and-rescue units were coordinated under one system, preventing chaos and duplication. The disaster also witnessed a significant display of international solidarity: after #AFAD elevated the disaster to Level 4, communication was established with #INSARAG (International Search and Rescue Advisory Group), EU ERCC (Emergency Response Coordination Centre), and NATO #EADRCC (Euro-Atlantic Disaster Response Coordination Centre). Also important to mention the role of World Health Organization EMTCC mechanism. 🤝 Why coordination is key In an emergency, chaos is the first enemy. Coordination is the invisible glue that prevents this. 🟢 It opens humanitarian corridors so convoys can move safely. 🟢 It builds networks of trust, making sure the most vulnerable, not just the most accessible, are reached. 🟢 It connects governments, UN agencies, NGOs, and the private sector into a single chain of action, instead of competing silos. ⚖️ Emergencies test not just what resources we have, but how fast, fair, and coordinated we are in delivering them. #HumanitarianAid #EmergencyResponse #Coordination #Resilience #UNDAC #Logistics #INSARAG #EADRCC #ERCC Photo: An UNHAS plane flies along the coast of Madagascar's Androy region near Ambovombe. Photo: WFP/Benoit Lognone

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies - IFRC thanks governments and partners for their commitments made at the 2025 IFRC-DREF Pledging Conference, held in Geneva on November 7, 2025. Donors announced commitments of nearly CHF 110 million, a record level of investment into the IFRC’s Disaster Response Emergency Fund (IFRC-DREF), an innovative mechanism that enables rapid, locally led humanitarian response.   The IFRC-DREF has expanded rapidly over the past five years, growing from 23.5 million Swiss francs in funding in 2020 to a record 91.5 million in 2024. In that time, it has allocated a total of 295 million Swiss francs to National Societies, targeting around 80 million people worldwide. Over 75% of IFRC-DREF funding is channelled to Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies on the front lines of humanitarian emergencies. But in the face of unprecedented humanitarian needs, greater support is needed to enable faster, flexible humanitarian responses. IFRC plans to double the size of the IFRC-DREF from its current 100 million CHF to 200 million CHF by 2030 – to enable greater investment in principled, local humanitarian actors and double the number of people reached to up to 50 million per year.   “This investment in humanity and in local action will save lives,” said Jagan Chapagain, IFRC Secretary General. “We thank our partners for their support, but we need to scale this up further in the face of unprecedented humanitarian needs. IFRC-DREF is an extremely valuable tool as we have just seen with Hurricane Melissa – where a small investment had a big impact and saved lives. In a time of financial strain across the humanitarian sector, these commitments send a strong message to communities – you have not been forgotten.” The IFRC-DREF enables National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to respond immediately to disasters or act in advance of predicted hazards. Funds are typically approved within 24 hours and disbursed within 72 hours. For information and to set up interviews: media@ifrc.org Full press release here: 👇 https://lnkd.in/eitWyr5y

*Last Mile Delivery Assurance in critical and disaster settings (LMDA) (Part 1): In the critical phase of disaster relief, ensuring the final, vital link between aid supplies and the affected population—the Last Mile Delivery—is paramount. (LMDA) is the science and art of guaranteeing that essential aid, medical supplies, and critical information reach the intended recipients in a timely, safe, and dignified manner, even when infrastructure and societal structures have collapsed, it's encompasses the comprehensive strategies and operational protocols necessary to guarantee the reliable, safe, and equitable distribution of humanitarian assistance (such as food, water, medicine, and shelter materials) from the nearest operational distribution hub directly to the intended beneficiaries, especially in complex, high-risk, and access-constrained environments characteristic of disaster zones. So a robust LMDA framework is crucial for minimising loss of life, maintaining public trust, and ultimately, optimising the impact of the entire humanitarian supply chain response, and requires a paradigm shift from simply "delivering goods" to "ensuring effective receipt." A. The Core Challenges: Why It's So Difficult: 1. Infrastructure & Access: Success hinges on a delicate balance of proactive preparedness, agile on-the-ground execution, community-centric approaches, and the smart application of technology. In the chaos of a crisis, this assurance is the difference between aid that arrives and aid that actually makes a difference. 2. Information & Communication: - Information Black Holes: No reliable data on who needs what, where they are, and in what quantity.  - Communication Breakdown: Cell towers and the internet are down; traditional communication fails. - Beneficiary Identification: No pre-existing lists or registries of affected people. 3. Security & Safety: - Aid Diversion & Looting: Desperation or organised groups may intercept supplies. - Hostile Actors: Conflict zones or areas with high crime rates pose a direct threat to aid workers. - Environmental Hazards: Unstable structures, contaminated water, and disease outbreaks. 4. Coordination & Human Factors: - Multiple Actors: Dozens of NGOs, UN agencies, military, and local groups operating without a unified command. - Duplication of Effort: Two organisations deliver water to one village, while another is forgotten. - Cultural & Language Barriers: Misunderstanding needs, customs, or local power dynamics. Conclusion: The successful implementation of LMDA requires addressing significant challenges, including: 1. Logistical bottlenecks and damaged infrastructure. 2. Security risks (e.g., aid diversion and hostile actors). 3. Timeliness in reaching the most vulnerable populations quickly. The video details how primitive methods were employed to transport or deliver goods, specifically within the context of a humanitarian mission operating in an African country affected by conflict (2024).

++ IEC Telecom Group Empowers Humanitarian Organisations with Next-Gen Tracking and SOS Tools ++ Over recent years, global reliance on humanitarian assistance has risen dramatically. In 2024, nearly 300 million people were projected to require aid and protection — a surge driven by ongoing conflicts, climate shocks, and pandemics. Working at the frontline, humanitarian staff face growing risks, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced safety measures. IEC Telecom will join AIDEX — the world’s leading humanitarian aid and disaster relief event — to unveil a new innovative portfolio of tracking solutions, tailored to meet the critical needs of the humanitarian sector. Humanitarian workers are essential in delivering aid to people in crisis, yet their safety is facing growing risks. According to Humanitarian Outcomes’ Aid Worker Security Report 2025, nearly 230 aid workers lost their lives in the first half of 2025 — already surpassing the annual total recorded in any year between 1997 and 2022. These numbers highlight the steep and rising cost of reaching vulnerable populations involved in bringing life-saving assistance to those in unstable and insecure environments. Reliable communication and digital connectivity are now central to aid worker safety. Disruptions compromise missions and coordination, making secure communication and tracking tools indispensable for protecting lives. Today, IEC Telecom presented a new range of solutions intended to help management maintain complete visibility over remote personnel, share critical updates across multiple user groups, and receive timely SOS notifications — enabling rapid response measures such as dispatching support, mobilising rescue operations, or providing medical assistance when needed most. “IEC Telecom has been serving the humanitarian sector for over thirty years, giving us first-hand insight into the harsh working conditions and specific requirements of aid organisations. Coordinated action is essential not only for mission success but also for ensuring the safety of staff operating across the globe. IEC Telecom’s new tracking portfolio, powered by Garmin’s leading hardware and managed through our Traksat digital platform, is purpose-built for organisational deployment.” –Gwenaël Lohéac, President Europe & West Africa, IEC Telecom Group 🔗 Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/dCXcqY3S #TechAfricaNews #IECTelecom #HumanitarianAid #AIDEX #Traksat #Garmin #HumanitarianTechnology #CrisisResponse #AidWorkerSafety #DigitalConnectivity #SatelliteCommunication #AfricaTech #EmergencyResponse

⚡Rapid Response for Northwest Cameroon Since April 2025, the FLASH Project has been delivering life-saving assistance to newly displaced families in hard-to-reach areas of Northwest Cameroon (Boyo, Bui, Donga-Mantung, Menchum, Mezam, Momo & Ngoketunjia)—within just 2 weeks of displacement. ✅ What we do: Multipurpose cash assistance Disaster preparedness Protection Since the launch of the project we have worked on building capabilities of our partners (Cominsud, GPA and SHUMAS), reactivating Strategic Humanitarian Services (SHUMAS) Humanitarian Watch & Alert System in coordination with IOM - UN Migration, and we have provided with cash for food & protection to 1000 households (about 7000 people) in Menchum and Momo. The project is implemented by COMINSUD NGO and Green Partners Association (GPA) with DRC technical support. The project is co-funded by Sida and EU in Emergencies for a duration of 18 months.

Delivering Aid in Times of Uncertainty Unfortunately, before we can ever talk about lasting peace across the Middle East, we must first acknowledge a hard truth: crisis will remain a constant companion, whether man-made or natural. In Lebanon and many other Arab countries, this reality is deeply familiar. Political instability, economic collapse, displacement, and natural shocks have become part of the humanitarian landscape. For those of us working on the ground, this means one thing: we must always be ready. Yet readiness isn’t just about having a response plan or a well-trained team. It’s also about having systems that move at the pace of human need. And here lies one of the biggest challenges NGOs face in Lebanon: procurement delays. While compliance and transparency are non-negotiable, the traditional procurement process is often too slow for crisis response. When people are waiting for medicine, food, or safe shelter, time itself becomes a form of aid. That’s why expedited and flexible procurement mechanisms are not a luxury, they are a humanitarian necessity. As someone who has worked closely on procurement policy design and humanitarian operations, I’ve seen that there are ways to expedite procurement responsibly, through prequalified supplier pools, emergency frameworks, and adaptive thresholds. However, speed without governance is a risk. These mechanisms must be backed by strong, transparent policies and internal controls, otherwise, crises can easily turn into opportunities for misuse and personal gain. That’s the balance we must strike in Lebanon and across the region: rapid response with rigorous integrity. In complex contexts where every minute counts, speed saves lives, but trust sustains impact. Our duty as humanitarian actors is to ensure both, delivering aid swiftly, transparently, and with accountability to those who need it most. By Ramzi Abou Zeid

*Upholding Dignity in Humanitarian Aid: A Call to End Undignified Distribution Practices* One of the core responsibilities of humanitarian actors is to protect the dignity, safety, and emotional well-being of those we serve. However, a concerning practice has become common in some aid distributions — requiring verified beneficiaries to sit for extended periods next to food or non-food items before receiving assistance. While often done to manage crowd control or facilitate photography, this practice compromises the dignity of already vulnerable individuals. Many beneficiaries feel embarrassed, disrespected, or treated as objects, rather than human beings deserving of compassion and care. This approach not only causes unnecessary discomfort and emotional distress but also violates: The *Fundamental Principle of Humanity* , which obliges us to prevent and alleviate suffering and to respect the dignity of all people. The *Principle of Impartiality* , by creating unequal and undignified experiences. The *Code of Conduct for the International Humanitarian Organizations and NGOs* in Disaster Relief, which emphasizes respect, dignity, and the participation of affected people. The Humanitarian Imperative, which demands that we act with empathy and urgency, without creating further harm. *A Better Way Forward* Efficient, respectful distribution can be achieved without compromising human dignity. Best practices include: Staggered or scheduled distributions to minimize waiting. On-the-spot distribution after verification, avoiding unnecessary holding areas. Clear communication and organization to reduce confusion and crowding. Limiting or eliminating exploitative photography of beneficiaries. *Humanitarian assistance must not only reach people — it must reach them with respect.* Let us commit to practices that reflect the true spirit of humanitarianism, placing dignity, empathy, and humanity at the center of everything we do

Displacement after disasters isn’t just about shelter — it’s about dignity. Here’s why humanitarian planning must address human rights, not just logistics.   When disaster strikes, the immediate concern is always shelter — getting people out of harm’s way and under a roof. But when all you had is gone, the deeper loss isn’t just physical. It’s the erosion of dignity, agency, and belonging. Displacement isn’t just a logistical problem solved with tents and tarps — it’s a human rights issue that demands rights-based planning.   Too often, the humanitarian system measures success by numbers: how many shelters were built, how many families reached, how fast supplies arrived. But efficiency without empathy risks turning recovery into another trauma.   1. Displacement creates invisible vulnerabilities. Losing a home often means losing proof of identity, legal documents, community networks, and access to basic services. Displaced individuals — especially women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities — face higher risks of exploitation and violence.   2. Humanitarian logistics can’t replace dignity. A camp built quickly isn’t always safe or livable. When design overlooks privacy, sanitation, or cultural norms, it strips people of self-respect. Humanitarian planning must focus not only on how fast we respond, but how well we uphold dignity.   3. Rights-based planning builds trust and resilience. Integrating international humanitarian and human rights law (IHL/IHRL) ensures protection isn’t an afterthought. When people see their rights respected — from fair aid distribution to community consultation — they regain control and partnership in recovery.   ICRC’s updated commentary on the Fourth Geneva Convention:   https://lnkd.in/gvvdN9Ku   https://lnkd.in/gk6Yqfiv   4. Bridging response and recovery. Effective displacement management needs coordination across agencies, NGOs, and communities to align short-term aid with long-term recovery goals. When protection principles guide logistics, recovery becomes more equitable and sustainable.   At its core, displacement is about people, not numbers. Every plan, shelter, and policy reflects our values — speed, efficiency, or humanity. The best responses balance all three.   Dignity isn’t a luxury — it’s the foundation of recovery.   Join the conversation: How is your organization integrating human rights into disaster displacement planning? Let’s share ideas, challenge assumptions, and move forward — because in every crisis, the way we protect dignity defines the success of our response.   #DisasterResponse #HumanitarianAction #HumanRights #DisasterRecovery #Resilience #DisasterManagement #IHL #IHRL #Protection #ForcedDisplacement #DisasterPreparedness #SustainableRecovery #LeadershipInCrisis #EmergencyManagement #MCR2030 #SendaiFramework

From Humanitarian Assistance to Sustainable Livelihoods – A New Chapter for Yemen’s Coastal Communities 🌿 Proud to share the ongoing efforts under the Fresh Horizons – Phase II (FH II) project, implemented by Mercy Corps Yemen with funding from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). This nine-month initiative (July 2025 – March 2026) builds upon the successes and lessons of the first phase, aiming to enhance food security and economic resilience for vulnerable fishing communities in Aden and Hadramout. At its heart, FH II represents a bold shift — from short-term humanitarian aid to long-term, sustainable livelihood solutions. The project works with 35 fishery cooperatives (20 in Hadramout and 15 in Aden), directly engaging more than 1,830 individuals — with at least 35% transitioning from humanitarian assistance to productive livelihoods, and an indirect reach of over 13,000 people. Core interventions include: Establishing Revolving Loan Funds and Business Grants to boost local enterprises. Supporting solar-powered cold chain systems to reduce post-harvest losses and improve fish quality. Strengthening leadership, governance, and financial management capacities of cooperative leaders. Promoting inclusive participation of women and youth across the fisheries value chain. Through collaboration with government institutions, local authorities, and the private sector, FH II aims to create a resilient blue economy — one where opportunities are generated locally, and communities lead their own path toward recovery, dignity, and sustainability. 🌍💙

🏡 In the de-occupied communities of southern Ukraine, new needs arise every day — and it’s vital that aid reaches exactly where it’s needed most. That’s why the Link team created a platform that connects communities with humanitarian organizations. 👀 Here, organizations can view up-to-date requests — verified from multiple sources — and take them into action 👉 link.ldn.org.ua This approach helps avoid duplication and ensures that even the settlements often “off the map” of large initiatives receive support. 🤝 One of Link’s partners is CF “Pomagaem” ("We help" in Ukrainian). Using data from the platform, the foundation’s team delivered winter aid kits, hygiene items, and cash assistance to residents of Kherson and Mykolaiv oblasts. “We clarified with Link in which communities and settlements people had not received anything for the longest time. Often, frontline territories have an oversaturation of humanitarian aid. At the same time, communities more distant from the front, for example, Bereznehuvate, which is 60 km from the front line, need no less, since there are many displaced persons there and no work,” explains Vadym Kasianov, coordinator of mobile teams at CF “Pomagaem.” In the villages of Bereznehuvate community, where hundreds of displaced people live, these aid kits helped residents cope with frequent power outages. “Everything related to energy independence, even in small volumes, always helps. Battery and solar-powered flashlights, as well as blankets, were very useful. Thermoses and flashlights became especially relevant during power outages,” says Andrii Zhylenko, starosta of Murakhivskyi starostat district. 📊 Coordinating efforts through Link makes humanitarian aid targeted, relevant, and timely. 🙋 Join the development of the platform! 📰 Learn more about how it works and who it’s already helped 👉 https://lnkd.in/d4BzXfps This material was prepared by the Legal Development Network in cooperation with the Czech humanitarian organization People in Need Ukraine, funded by the UK government. #HumanitarianAid #UkraineRecovery #CommunityResilience #Pomagaem #HumanSecurity #CrisisResponse #LocalCommunities #DeoccupiedTerritories #HumanitarianCoordination #UKAid #PartnershipForChange #InclusiveRecovery #UkraineSupport #SustainableDevelopment #CapacityBuilding #EmpoweringCommunities #AidEffectiveness