🔴 Mission 1: Heading for Guyana!
For three days, PIRAC took part in an IDRL (International Disaster Response Law) simulation exercise aimed at examining Guyana’s legislative framework for responding to natural disasters.
Divided into working groups based on their areas of expertise (infrastructure, medical, diplomacy, armed forces, and environment), the participants conducted an assessment of existing legislative rules to identify potential gaps in crisis response legislation.
This mission also provided an opportunity to meet with the National Society (SN) of the Red Cross in Guyana. Welcomed by Andrea Philipps, Head of Natural Disasters and Health, PIRAC was able to review and discuss the success of the partnership carried out jointly in 2022 as part of the Rempart Épidémique project. These fruitful discussions provided a better understanding of the new challenges facing the territory and identified opportunities for future collaboration.
Clément Locquet | Andrea Philipps
🔴Mission 2: Strengthening ties for more effective joint action
The PIRAC continues to provide technical support to the NSAs in the Caribbean region. During her visit to Grenada, she met with Samantha Dickson, President of the NS, as part of the Ready 360° / 3 Oceans program. This program aims to strengthen the overall capacity of local Red Cross societies to better respond to humanitarian challenges, in particular through:
- The implementation of first aid activities;
- The implementation of Protection, Gender and Inclusion (PGI) actions;
- Raising awareness of natural disaster risks in schools;
- Contributing to the operating costs of the NS.
Strengthening ties between NSs and PIRAC is key to optimizing the coordination and impact of actions carried out in the region.
Samantha Dickson | Clément Locquet
Focus on Protection, Gender, and Inclusion (PGI)
In line with this approach, PIRAC will launch a groundbreaking study in 2025 on the regulatory framework for protection, gender, and inclusion in the Caribbean. The results will enable three NSAs, supported by PIRAC, to design a tailored action plan to better integrate gender approaches into their actions and intervention modalities.
This is an essential step towards a more inclusive and effective humanitarian response!
🔴 Mission 3: Advocacy at the 3rd Caribbean Investment and CDN Market Forum
PIRAC had the honor of speaking at this major forum to advocate for community resilience and climate action alongside committed experts (Mercy Corps, Global Center for Climate Mobility (hosted by UNOPS), Science-Based Initiatives, PISLM St Georges).
Together, PIRAC and the various actors present explored how preparation, prevention, and advocacy can shape territories that are better equipped to face crises, emphasizing the key role of community initiatives.
PIRAC highlighted three key areas:
– Ecological disaster preparedness: sustainable storage and infrastructure;
– More responsible humanitarian response: reducing the environmental impact of humanitarian emergency operations;
– Stronger advocacy: promoting ambitious climate policies at all levels.
No single actor can transform climate challenges into opportunities for resilience. Governments, communities, and humanitarian organizations must work together to build a safer and more sustainable future for the Caribbean.
The Ready 360° program is co-financed by INTERREG Caraïbes through the European Regional Development Fund.
