Current Events: International Disaster Relief

On February 6, 2023, an earthquake struck the northern and western sections of Syria, and southern and central sections of Turkey. Roughly 45,000 people have died as a result of the quake, the majority in Turkey. Since earthquake on the 6th, numerous aftershocks rocked the region. On Monday, February 20th another earthquake shook this region; its epicenter was in the Defne district of Turkey’s Hatay province, an area already devastated by the quake on the 6th. With thousands of buildings destroyed, tens of thousands of deaths, and people still unaccounted for, international aid has been making its way into Turkey, and to a lesser extent, Syria. Governments and international humanitarian relief organizations are working to supply and coordinate much needed services and supplies, such as food, tents, winter clothing, medical supplies and mattresses.

The relief efforts supporting the people of Turkey and Syria are just the latest examples of humanitarian aid being offered throughout the world. These relief endeavors are often undertaken by international organizations such as the United Nations, non-governmental organizations, and governments to provide immediate relief to those affected by natural disasters, conflicts, or other emergencies. However, geopolitical considerations play a critical role in shaping the delivery of aid, particularly in areas that are politically unstable or face security challenges.

Cultural and social factors play a role in the delivery of humanitarian aid. Aid organizations must be sensitive to the cultural norms and values of the affected region to avoid unintended consequences. Effective aid delivery requires building trust with the affected communities and working with local leaders to ensure that these efforts are aligned with local needs and priorities. Geopolitics can also be at the forefront when it comes to the relationship between the donor country and the affected region; donor countries often provide aid to support their national interests, including strengthening diplomatic ties, promoting trade, and advancing their foreign policy goals. This may influence the distribution of aid, as donors may prioritize countries or regions that are strategically important to them.

This week’s Current Events resources examine the logistics, political ramifications, and history of humanitarian/disaster relief. The resources shared provide information and context to the global relief efforts coordinated by institutions after a region or country is affected by a natural disaster.

Essential Questions, Vocabulary & Extend the Resources:

What is humanitarian relief?
Why is humanitarian or disaster relief sometimes referred to as ‘soft power’?
What are some of the challenges governments face after there has been a natural or humanitarian disaster in their country? How do countries try to address those challenges?
What are some of the unintended consequences of uncoordinated humanitarian/disaster relief? How can these consequences be proper addressed?
What are the arguments for and against countries limiting their humanitarian/disaster relief to foreign nations?
In your opinion, should there be a global entity in charge of all coordination and execution of humanitarian/disaster relief? Explain.
In your opinion, should the United States and other countries offer humanitarian relief to all nations, regardless of relationship? Explain.

Click here for a hardcopy of the Essential Questions and International Disaster Relief Vocabulary

Click here for a hardcopy of Extension Activities CLP suggests implementing with this content