The catastrophic flooding in Feni, Cumilla, and nearby districts is considered the worst in recent memory. The losses are devastating. However, the incredible outpouring of support from all sectors of society has been genuinely heartwarming -- it has truly revealed the best of who we are.
Nevertheless, this situation underscores the urgent need for better coordination, accountability, and capacity in the face of such disasters. As flooding or cyclones are increasingly becoming deadly due to climate change and adverse weather conditions, we must address the challenges we are currently facing to improve our future responses.
Cultural sensitivity and participation
The recent flooding in Khagrachari, with many saying it is the worst since 1988, has submerged over 100 villages and stranded approximately 10,000 families. Massive relief distributions are ongoing by different charitable individuals, social, and political groups to the flood-hit districts.
But last week, a post on social media by an indigenous woman from Khagrachari went viral. It reminds me of an important concept that I learnt through my work in the humanitarian context -- cultural sensitivity. It is considered to be one of the cornerstones of effective humanitarian response. It means the ability to become aware of and respect the cultures of the communities affected by disasters.
The indigenous communities in the areas have unique cultural practices and needs that have to be respected and understood during relief efforts. While immediate response is vital, we should not disregard or overlook the specific cultural needs and preferences of each community. For future crisis management and long-term recovery and support, our efforts have to be culturally informed to help the communities rebuild their lives.
I remember the Rohingya influx in 2017, where Bangladeshi locals responded with extraordinary support such as different relief items and food. Despite these efforts, many reports indicated that some clothing items and food were not utilized by the Rohingya refugees because they were unfamiliar with them as the items were not part of their life in Myanmar.
Emergency aid operations are not the time for enforcing cultural or habitual changes. Such changes occur gradually, not overnight. If you receive a gift that you are not accustomed to using or a food that is new to you, you might try it once, feel uncomfortable, and then simply leave it unused, no matter how valuable or costly the thing is.
This is why understanding cultural sensitivity and making sure communities’ participation at a minimum level is very important in aid responses.
Emergency aid operations are not the time for enforcing cultural or habitual changes
Showing respect
Many viral social media posts suggest that people in some flood-affected areas are hesitant to come forward for relief due to the fear of being photographed indiscriminately. I’ve noticed in social media that even well-educated individuals are sharing photos of aid distribution without considering the dignity of the recipients.
Photos of aid distribution have many useful purposes -- reporting, raising funds, etc, which are important. But that should be done with high sensitivity and professionalism. Taking a photo of every relief pack we distribute means someone is always ready with a camera, which can be awkward and disturbing for the aid recipients.
We don’t need a photo of every person we serve; just a couple of photos are sufficient for reporting and other purposes. Also, it’s important to inform the individuals being photographed about the potential use of the photos and to obtain their consent. That is a basic step in ensuring their dignity and privacy are respected.
We should not forget that aid in such situations is not a favour, mercy, or charity. It is a right of those in need. When we say it is a right, it means both receiver and provider are equal, right is not something we give to people at our will, it is something they are entitled to -- just as we would be if the situations were reversed. This is a shared human responsibility. We should never abuse or exploit the vulnerability of affected people.
Coordination, accountability, and capacity
On August 28, Prothom Alo highlighted the lack of coordination in aid distribution, emphasizing that aid is not equally reaching people in remote areas. Proper coordination and accountability are crucial in such situations, not only to ensure that everyone in need is reached but also to mitigate the risk of power abuse or exploitation between aid distributors and recipients. It is essential that aid workers and volunteers feel a strong sense of responsibility and accountability.
Students participating in these aid efforts should focus more on their learning and professional development. This is not because they will pursue their careers in the humanitarian field, but to cultivate a sense of professionalism and leave a legacy of humanitarian service for future generations. International organizations can also play a significant role by getting involved in the professional capacity development of our local volunteers from various social organizations.
Given that we are a disaster-prone country, it is imperative to have a national network of volunteers trained in disaster management. This training should include not only the technical skills needed for effective response but also the ethical considerations and cultural sensitivities required to serve affected communities with dignity and respect. By investing in the professional growth of our volunteers, we can ensure a more resilient and prepared society, capable of responding to future disasters efficiently and compassionately.
In my experience, many individuals who have volunteered in aid distribution for a day or two in Cumilla and Feni returned home sick, leaving their responsibilities behind. The critical importance of self-care while working in such operations cannot be ignored. Organizing agencies should ensure their volunteers are physically and mentally prepared for the demanding conditions they will face.
Proper rest, hydration, and nutrition are essential, so is taking regular breaks to avoid burnout. Additionally, organizations should provide training on self-care practices and ensure that volunteers have access to medical support if needed. By prioritizing self-care, we can maintain a healthy and effective volunteer workforce, capable of providing sustained support to those in need.
Parvez Uddin Chowdhury is a development professional and climate activist.
