Guidance Note for Humanitarian Crisis Planning in Iran–Israel War Context

1. Immediate Life-Saving Priorities

Iran:

  • Mobilize emergency health services near likely military targets (e.g., oil refineries, nuclear plants).
  • Strengthen civil defense shelters in urban areas.
  • Scale up food and medicine stockpiles in sanctions-hit areas.
  • Launch psycho-social support for communities facing internal displacement and trauma.

Israel:

  • Expand emergency shelter systems (especially in the North and Central Districts under missile threat).
  • Secure fuel and electricity backups for hospitals.
  • Activate mobile clinics and trauma care for both Israeli and Arab populations.
  • Ensure continuity of care for Gaza-border communities already displaced.

2. Coordination Mechanisms

Israel: Leverage strong coordination between MDA (Magen David Adom), Home Front Command, and UN OCHA observers. Work with civil society groups for Arab-Israeli populations.

Iran: Difficult due to political restrictions. Encourage IRCS (Iranian Red Crescent) to lead coordination and liaise with neutral actors like ICRC and WHO. Use informal coordination platforms with trusted local NGOs.

3. Resource Allocation Strategy

  • Prioritize areas with high civilian density and low mobility (elderly, disabled, displaced).
  • Allocate resources not only by damage but by vulnerability: e.g., host communities, border minorities, refugees.
  • Ensure buffer stocks for 3–6 weeks of active escalation in both countries.

4. Conflict-Sensitive and Neutral Approaches

  • Avoid aligning with state narratives. Aid must be visibly impartial.
  • Support neutral institutions like Red Cross/Crescent and WHO.
  • Public communication must emphasize protection of civilians and international humanitarian law.

5. Gender, Age, and Disability Inclusion

  • Design safe spaces for women and girls in shelters.
  • Ensure hygiene, dignity kits, and maternal care are part of the core NFI packs.
  • Use disaggregated data to identify children, elderly, and persons with disabilities in both nations.
  • Prioritize accessible information and evacuation support for those with mobility issues.

6. Security and Access Risks

Israel: Northern and coastal areas under airstrikes pose risks to aid convoys. Coordination with IDF Civil Authority is essential for NGO movement.

Iran: International staff face visa and movement restrictions. Remote management or partnership with national actors is critical. Potential cyberattacks may disrupt aid logistics.

7. Recommendations for International and National Actors

International Actors:

  • Scale pre-positioned humanitarian supplies via Jordan, Armenia, Turkey, and Gulf states.
  • Increase diplomatic advocacy for humanitarian corridors and ceasefires.
  • Fund locally-led organizations, especially those working in cross-border areas.

National Authorities:

  • Both governments must uphold Geneva Conventions by allowing humanitarian access.
  • Coordinate with UN bodies, ICRC, and national Red Cross/Crescent networks.
  • Ensure transparent and accountable aid distribution to avoid politicization.

 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Ghost in the Machine: Digital Harassment – Pakistan’s New Battleground for Gender Equality

The Ghost in the Machine: Digital Harassment – Pakistan’s New Battleground for Gender Equality By Tahir Ali Shah Just this week, the fragile boundary between the digital world and reality was tragically shattered in Islamabad. The life of 17-year-old TikTok star Sana Yousaf, vibrant and full of promise, was brutally cut short. Allegedly, she paid the ultimate price for repeatedly rejecting the online advances of a young man, suffering the violence within the supposed safety of her own home. Sana's story, while horrifying, is not an isolated incident. It serves as a stark reminder that the online harassment women face daily can have devastating real-world consequences. The threats whispered in direct messages, the images shared without consent, and the relentless stalking through digital profiles are not just virtual offenses; they are acts of violence that can spill over into the physical world, leaving families shattered and communities in mourning. Sana's name now joins a...
Read more

A Realistic Outlook for Humanitarian Funding in Pakistan

  A Realistic Outlook for Humanitarian Funding in Pakistan By Tahir Ali Shah This article is based on a statistical probability method, derived from navigating documents and conducting digital desk reviews. The analysis provides a realistic outlook for humanitarian funding in Pakistan, highlighting potential scenarios and implications for vulnerable communities. Pakistan is facing a challenging time for humanitarian funding. With many countries cutting back on aid, Pakistan's vulnerable communities might suffer. Let's look at three possible scenarios for the next year (June 2025 to May 2026): Scenario 1: Funding Cuts This scenario is likely to happen with a 60% probability. Donors like the US might reduce aid due to economic difficulties and shifting priorities. As a result, Pakistan could see cuts in life-saving programs such as food, water, and medicine. This would increase the risk of diseases, malnutrition, and mortality. Additionally, support for long-term develo...
Read more

Protection Risks and Policy Approaches for Rohingya Refugees in Southeast Asia

  Protection Risks and Policy Approaches for Rohingya Refugees in Southeast Asia By Tahir Ali Shah In Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Bangladesh, Rohingya refugees face numerous overlapping protection risks that threaten their safety, dignity, and long-term prospects. One of the most significant challenges is statelessness. Without legal recognition in Myanmar or any other country, Rohingya refugees remain effectively invisible in the eyes of the law. This stateless status severely limits their access to formal education, employment, legal recourse, and even basic identification, further entrenching their marginalization. Gender-based violence poses a serious and ongoing threat to Rohingya women and girls, who frequently encounter sexual exploitation, domestic violence, and harassment in both refugee camps and host communities. Due to the lack of strong protection systems and safe reporting channels, survivors often lack support, leaving perpetrators unaccountable for their ...
Read more