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CSS Blog

Collaboration beyond repatriations? Switzerland and the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism

During the repatriation operations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in spring 2020, Switzerland benefited directly and indirectly from the activation of the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM), despite not being a Participating State thereof. The increasing severity of natural and socio-technical hazards and their far-reaching consequences underscore the importance of international collaboration in other crises beyond the current pandemic. A new CSS Risk and Resilience Report, commissioned by the Swiss Federal Office for Civil Protection (FOCP), therefore assesses the costs and benefits of potential Swiss participation in the UCPM.

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CSS Blog Coronavirus

Coordination of Volunteer Efforts in Post Disaster Stage

Large scale events like the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors are changing how we volunteer during disasters. This graphic points out objectives, principles and suggested actions to help the coordination of volunteers in the immediate aftermath of a disaster event.

For more on the integration of spontaneous and emergent volunteers in disaster management and civil protection, read Tim Prior and Florian Roth’s CSS Risk and Resilience Report on Volunteerism in Disaster Management.

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Coronavirus CSS Blog

The Pandemic Could Enhance NATO’s Resilience

Image courtesy of Kristof Rixmann/DVIDS.

This blog belongs to the CSS’ coronavirus blog series, which forms a part of the center’s analysis of the security policy implications of the coronavirus crisis. See the CSS special theme page on the coronavirus for more.

Although the coronavirus pandemic did not trigger a transatlantic response, NATO found relevance in support of the civilian response: airlifting medical equipment and countering disinformation. The pandemic gives Allies renewed impetus to strengthen resilience and NATO to complement the national efforts in doing so.

Categories
CSS Blog

Coordination of Volunteer Efforts in Post Disaster Stage

Large scale events like the coronavirus (COVID-19) and other factors are changing how we volunteer during disasters. This week’s featured graphic points out objectives, principles and suggested actions to help the coordination of volunteers in the immediate aftermath of a disaster event. For more on the integration of spontaneous and emergent volunteers in disaster management and civil protection, read CSS’ Tim Prior and Florian Roth’s CSS Risk and Resilience Report on Volunteerism in Disaster Management.

New Book Suggests Rigid Norms Delay Crisis Response Times

Peacekeepers in action. Image: Wikimedia

This book review was originally published by IPI Global Observatory on 6 October 2014.

When it comes to responding to conflict, the phrase “they didn’t act fast enough” is one of the most common criticisms of international organizations. From the Rwandan genocide in the 1990s to the recent conflicts in South Sudan and the Central African Republic, swift and timely intervention by peacekeepers and other international actors can mean the difference between life and death.