 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
In the name of Almighty God
Council for Coordination of Disaster Management (SHAHAB)
SHAHAB is a permanent organization which strives to raise public awareness and preparedness under normal circumstances to cope with disaster situations, it also lobbies and undertakes advocacy work with Government institutions, international bodies and civil society and private sector bodies to make adequate preparation for prevention, preparedness and response to disasters and also to undertake physical and mental rehabilitation of disaster victims
The devastating Bam earthquake which brought death and destruction once again to yet another part of our country demonstrated that:
The response capacity to disasters in Iran for rescue, relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction is low and inadequate;
There is no comprehensive plan of action defining roles of different partners and stakeholders at times of crisis;
A bona fide means of coordination of government, civic and private sector efforts for effective intervention in the face of crises is non-existent; and
There is an urgent need for information, education and communication programs to be developed and implemented as soon as feasible.
But, natural disasters can also be opportunities for building on the momentum generated and for planning ahead for future events of this nature: The Bam tragedy created a deep sense of appreciation for the vital need for a sustainable and coordinated strategy, and an effective plan for disaster preparedness and management. To be successful, this plan must be developed under normal, non-crisis circumstances and should use a participatory approach.
Local and national NGOs in Iran each have a specific mission and agenda. While their capacity for response may be limited on an individual basis, they have the potential to become effective and have impact through a collective and concerted plan of action.
Realizing the advantages of joining together in order to create a collective potency, a number of civic societies and associations converged late last year, and agreed on a common platform for action. The outcome of this alliance was the Council for Coordination of Disasters Management (SHAHAB).
SHAHAB is a permanent organization which strives to raise public awareness and preparedness under normal circumstances in order to cope with disaster situations. It lobbies for action and undertakes advocacy work with Government agencies, international bodies and civic and private sector bodies to create vigilance for prevention of, and response to disasters. SHAHAB will also undertake physical and mental rehabilitation of disaster victims when necessary.
SHAHAB is presently made up of fourteen member associations. The articles of association for SHAHAB have been drawn up and it has officially declared its establishment. Currently SHAHAB is active under the leadership of an executive committee and with the support of several member teams.
SHAHAB intends to pursue its agenda and all its activities in a transparent manner. All financial assistance provided to SHAHAB, as well as all projects supported by its various donors, will be deliberated in the framework of proposals consent to by member organizations. As such, SHAHAB will assign each approved project to the most capable NGO in the field and will also be either directly involved in the project itself or will maintain a supervisory role.
Through the framework designed by SHAHAB, the opportunity will be presented to civic societies and NGOs to effectively and efficiently join in with Government, semi-private, international organizations and private sector philanthropists and be a contributing element in this partnership.
At the present time activities and projects of SHAHAB will be limited to those in Iran, but as we gain experience and share knowledge with other national and international networks, we hope to become active in the regional and even on an international basis. We believe Iran has considerable unused capacity to cope with disasters of all kinds, and we intend to make us of it.
The Founding members of SHAHAB are the following:
Association for Protection of Child Laborers www.apcl.org.ir
Boomiran www.boomiran.org
Centre of Cultural Development for Children www.ccdc.ir
Confederation of Iranian Industry no website
Hamyaran NGO Resource Centre www.hamyaran.org
Mother and Child Charity no website
Sharif University of Technology Alumni Association www.alumsharif.org
Society of Supporters to Khuzestan Environment no website
Society to Support Children Suffering from Cancer (MAHAK) www.mahak-charity.org
The Pooya Educational Research Society no website
Tehran Chamber of Commerce Industry and Mine www.tccim.com
Women Society Against Environmental Pollution no website
Zirakzadeh Science Foundation www.zirakzadehfoundation.org
for more information please visit: www.shahabngo.org
For More Information Visit the Persian web site (yaranebam.org)