Scenario
The UN Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC), an agency created to help governments in countries affected by disasters during the first phase of critical emergencies, is working on an annual review of activities. The agency wants to consult with regional advisors about the migration trends to, within and from their region in order to better assess their preparedness for a sudden-onset emergency. Chapter 10 of the World Migration Report 2020 will be very helpful for this interactive scenario.
More about UNDAC
The UNDAC falls under the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Specifically, “the United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) is part of the international emergency response system for sudden-onset emergencies. UNDAC was created in 1993. It is designed to help the United Nations and governments of disaster-affected countries during the first phase of a sudden-onset emergency. UNDAC also assists in the coordination of incoming international relief at national level and/or at the site of the emergency.” (OCHA website)
Instructions
Divide into six groups, with each of the groups representing one of the six United Nation Regions (Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, North America, Oceania). Each group will create a 10-minute presentation (powerpoint, prezi, etc) to be given to the whole class that addresses the following questions:
Questions 1
Where are people migrating? In this section, each advisor group will provide summary data of the largest migration corridors in their region. Recent shifts in migration flows should be addressed in the presentation. Present quantitative figures, but also provide some analysis.
What are the trends in the region over time? Chapters 2 and 3 of the World Migration Report may be particularly useful in this case.
Questions 2
What should a disaster preparedness agency be aware of in the region? In this section, provide a quick overview of possible disaster scenarios and how these disasters may affect the migrants living in each country. Chapter 9 may help for preparing your presentation but be creative in finding other sources. Think about questions such as: Do migrants have access to health and emergency services?
Evidence of Learning
In addition to your group presentation, each member will write a 2 page recommendation for the UNDAC that describes and explains the two most important disaster preparedness possibilities to prepare for in their region. Be clear about what the potential disaster is (flood? hurricane? earthquake? tsunami? violence? access to basic resources, etc.) and explain in some detail how the UNDAC can prepare to help people should that disaster occur.
