Designed and printed by the Publishing Service, United Nations, Geneva — GE.08-00982 — June 2008 — 5,000 — OCHA/ESB/2008/6

Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

OCHA

GUiDEliNES oN THE USE of forEiGN MiliTAry

and Civil defenCe ASSETS iN DiSASTEr rEliEf

revision 1.1 November 2007

Oslo Guidelines

Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

OCHA

Guidelines On THe use Of fOreiGn MiliTAry

And Civil defenCe AsseTs in disAsTer relief

revision 1.1 november 2007

Oslo Guidelines

Guidelines on The use of foreign Military and

Civil defence Assets in disaster reliefrevision 1.1 november 2007

The “Oslo Guidelines” were originally prepared over a period of two years beginning in 1992. They were the result of a collaborative effort that culminated in an international conference in Oslo, Norway, in January 1994 and were released in May 1994. The following States and Organizations were involved in this effort:

Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Kenya, the Netherlands, Norway, Russian Federation, Switzerland, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America, AFDRU, Brown University’s Watson Institute, DHA, European Union/ECHO, ICDO, ICRC, IFRC, INSARAG, NATO, Steering Committee for Humanitarian Response, UNHCR, UN Legal Liaison Office, University of Naples, University of Ruhr, WHO and Western European Union. Over 180 delegates from 45 States and 25 organizations attended the conference.

The unprecedented deployment in 2005 of military forces and assets in support of humanitarian response to natural disasters, following an increasing trend over the past years, confirmed the need to update the 1994 “Oslo Guidelines”. The Consultative Group on the Use of Military and Civil Defence Assets (MCDA), at its annual meeting in December 2005, tasked OCHA’s Civil-Military Coordination Section (CMCS) with this facelift, to reflect current terminology and organizational changes, following a layout similar to the 2003 “Guidelines on the Use of Military and Civil Defence Assets to Support United Nations Humanitarian Activities in Complex Emergencies” (“MCDA Guidelines”).

The Oslo Guidelines were re-launched at an event hosted by the Government of Norway, in Oslo, on 27 November 2006, held in conjunction with the annual meeting of the Consultative Group on the Use of MCDA. Norway, Switzerland and Sweden took the lead in the update, facilitated by OCHA’s Civil-Military Coordination Section / Emergency Services Branch.

Changes in this Revision 1.1 concern the addition of the word “foreign” in the title, as well as additions for clarification to paragraph 5, as per consensus in the Extraordinary Session of the Consultative Group on the Use of MCDA, on 28 November 2007.

Oslo Guidelines

Table of Contents

IntroductionKey Terms and Definitions 7

Aim 9

Scope 9

Status 10

Organization 10

Comments, Recommendations and Future Changes 11

Principles and ConceptsCore Principles 12

Key Concepts for Use Of Military and Civil Defence Assets (MCDA) by UN Agencies 14

Operational Standards for the Use of UN MCDA 15

Operational Standards for the Use of Other Deployed Forces 16

United Nations Humanitarian Civil-Military Coordination (UN-CMCoord) in Natural Disasters 17

Tasks and ResponsibilitiesAffected State and Transit States 18

Humanitarian Coordinator (HC) / Resident Coordinator (RC) 20

UN Humanitarian Agencies 21

Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) 22

Assisting State and Foreign Military or Civil Defence Commanders 23

AnnexesAnnex I: Model Agreement Covering the Status of MCDA 26

Annex II: CMCS Sample Request for MCDA 36

Annex III: Abbreviations 38

7

7

Key Terms and DefinitionsThe following terms are essential for establishing a common understanding of the terminology used by the guidelines as set out in this document.

1. Humanitarian Assistance: Humanitarian assistance is aid to an affectedpopulationthatseeks,asitsprimarypurpose,tosavelivesandalleviatesufferingof a crisis-affected population. Humanitarian assistance must be provided inaccordancewith thebasichumanitarianprinciplesofhumanity, impartialityandneutrality.For thepurposesof theseguidelines, assistancecanbedivided intothreecategoriesbasedonthedegreeofcontactwiththeaffectedpopulation.Thesecategories are important because they help define which types of humanitarianactivities might be appropriate to support with international military resourcesunderdifferentconditions,giventhatampleconsultationhasbeenconductedwithallconcernedpartiestoexplainthenatureandnecessityoftheassistance.

• Direct Assistanceistheface-to-facedistributionofgoodsandservices.

• Indirect Assistanceisatleastonestepremovedfromthepopulationandinvolvessuchactivitiesastransportingreliefgoodsorreliefpersonnel.

• Infrastructure Supportinvolvesprovidinggeneralservices,suchasroadrepair,airspacemanagementandpowergenerationthatfacilitaterelief,butarenotnecessarilyvisibletoorsolelyforthebenefitoftheaffectedpopulation.

2. International Disaster Relief Assistance (IDRA):InthecontextofthepresentGuidelines,internationaldisasterreliefassistancemeansmaterial,personnelandservicesprovidedbytheinternationalcommunitytoanAffectedStatetomeettheneedsof those affectedby adisaster. It includes all actionsnecessary tograntandfacilitatemovementovertheterritory,includingtheterritorialwatersandtheairspace,ofaTransitState. IDRAdeliveredinaccordancewiththehumanitarianprinciplesidentifiedaboveishumanitarianassistance.

3. Military and Civil Defence Assets (MCDA):MCDAcomprisereliefpersonnel,equipment,suppliesandservicesprovidedby foreignmilitaryandcivildefenceorganizations for IDRA. Further, for the purpose of this project, civil defenceorganization means any organization that, under the control of a Government,performsthefunctionsenumeratedinparagraph61ofAdditionalProtocolItotheGenevaConventionsof1949.When these forcesareunderUNcontrol theyarereferredtoasUNMCDA.

Introduction

� �

4. Other Deployed Forces:Theseareallmilitaryandcivildefenceforcesdeployedin the region other than UN MCDA. They include the forces deployed by theAffectedStateandanyforeignforcesdeployedunderbilateralagreementsorundertheauspicesoforganizationsotherthantheUN.

5. Last Resort: Military and civil defence assets should be seen as a toolcomplementing existing relief mechanisms in order to provide specific supportto specific requirements, in response to theacknowledged«humanitariangap»betweenthedisasterneedsthatthereliefcommunityisbeingaskedtosatisfyandtheresourcesavailabletomeetthem.Therefore,foreignmilitaryandcivildefenceassetsshouldberequestedonlywherethereisnocomparablecivilianalternativeandonlytheuseofmilitaryorcivildefenceassetscanmeetacriticalhumanitarianneed.Themilitaryorcivildefenceassetmustthereforebeuniqueincapabilityandavailability.However, foreigncivilprotectionassets,whencivilianinnatureandrespectinghumanitarianprinciples,canprovideanimportantdirectandindirectcontributiontohumanitarianactionsbasedonhumanitarianneedsassessmentsand their possible advantages in terms of speed, specialisation, efficiency andeffectiveness, especially in the early phase of relief response. The use of civilprotection assets shouldbeneedsdriven, complementary to and coherentwithhumanitarianaidoperations,respectingtheoverallcoordinatingroleoftheUN.

6. Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator: The ResidentCoordinator (RC) is the head of the UN Country Team. In a natural disasteremergency, the Resident Coordinator or another competent UN official may bedesignatedastheHumanitarianCoordinator(HC).Inlarge-scaleemergencies,aseparate Humanitarian Coordinator is often appointed. If the emergency affectsmorethanonecountry,aRegionalHumanitarianCoordinatormaybeappointed.

7. Emergency Relief Coordinator and Inter-Agency Standing Committee:The Emergency Relief Coordinator (ERC) is the Under-Secretary-General forHumanitarianAffairsandcoordinatestheinternationalresponsetohumanitarianemergencies and disasters. The Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) ischairedbytheERCandhasthemembershipofallUNoperationalhumanitarianagencies,withstandinginvitationtoICRC,IFRC,IOM,UNHCHR,theRepresentativeof theSecretary-Generalon IDPs, theWorldBankand the threeNGOconsortia(ICVA, InterAction and SCHR). The decision whether to and who to appoint asHumanitarianCoordinatorismadebytheEmergencyReliefCoordinator(ERC),inconsultationwiththeInter-AgencyStandingCommittee.

8. UN Humanitarian Civil Military Coordination (UN-CMCoord):Theessentialdialogue and interaction between civilian and military actors in humanitarianemergencies that is necessary to protect and promote humanitarian principles,

� �

avoidcompetition,minimizeinconsistency,andwhenappropriatepursuecommongoals.Basicstrategiesrangefromcoexistencetocooperation.Coordinationisasharedresponsibilityfacilitatedbyliaisonandcommontraining.

Aim9. TheaimofthepresentGuidelinesontheUseofMilitaryandCivilDefenceAssets

inDisasterRelief(hereinafterreferredtoas«OsloGuidelines»)istoestablishthebasicframeworkforformalizingandimprovingtheeffectivenessandefficiencyoftheuseofforeignmilitaryandcivildefenceassetsininternationaldisasterreliefoperations.

Scope

10. The“OsloGuidelines”addresstheuseofMCDAfollowingnatural,technologicalandenvironmentalemergenciesintimesofpeace.Theprinciples,mechanismsandprocedures concerning military forces participating in peacekeeping operationsorthedeliveryofhumanitarianassistanceinsituationsofarmedconflictarenotencompassedby thisdocument.TheuseofMCDA inarmedconflict situationsis covered in the “Guidelines On The Use of Military and Civil Defence AssetsTo Support United Nations Humanitarian Activities in Complex Emergencies”(“MCDAGuidelines”-March2003).

11. These guidelines cover the use of United Nations Military and Civil DefenceAssets(UNMCDA)--militaryandcivildefenceresourcesrequestedby theUNhumanitarian agencies and deployed under UN control specifically to supporthumanitarianactivities--aswellasotherforeignmilitaryandcivildefenceassetsthatmightbeavailable.Theseother forcesonothermissionsare referred toas“otherdeployedforces”.

12. Principles,concepts,andproceduresareprovidedforrequestingandcoordinatingmilitaryandcivildefenceassetswhentheseresourcesaredeemednecessaryandappropriate, and for interfacingwith foreignmilitary forceswhoare conductingactivitieswhichimpactonUNhumanitarianactivities.

13. These guidelines are primarily intended for use by UN humanitarian agenciesand their implementing and operational partners, Resident and HumanitarianCoordinators,UNMCDAcommandersandcommandersofotherdeployedforcesperforming missions in support of the UN humanitarian agencies and liaisonofficerscoordinatingUNhumanitarianactivitieswith foreignmilitary forces.Allhumanitarian actors should also be familiar with the principles, concepts andproceduressetouthereinandencouragedtoadheretothem,asappropriate.

10 11

14. They could also be used by decision-makers in Member States and regionalorganizations when considering the use of military and civil defence assets toprovideassistancetocivilianpopulationsinnaturaldisastersandtechnologicalorenvironmentalemergenciesintimesofpeace.

15. Thisdocumentfocusesontheuseofmilitaryandcivildefenceassetsindisasterreliefoperations.Thefoundationforeffectivecoordinationofmilitaryandcivilianassistanceduringreconstructionandrehabilitationisoftenestablishedduringthefirstphaseofaninternationalresponse.However,reconstructionandrehabilitationactivitiesarebeyondthescopeofthisdocument.

Status

16. The UN Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) and the UN humanitarianagencieshaveagreedtotheseguidelines.Implementingandoperationalpartnersareencouragedtofollowthisguidance.MemberStatesandregionalorganizationsengaged in relief or military operations in response to natural disasters arealsoencouraged touse theprinciplesandproceduresprovidedherein.WhileasignificantnumberofMemberStateshaveparticipatedinthedevelopmentoftheguidelinesandendorsedtheiruse, theyarenotbindingonMemberStates.Theguidelinesareconsideredalivingdocumentandmaybereviewedasappropriateinthefuture.

17. Theseguidelineswillnot,inanyway,affecttherights,obligationsorresponsibilitiesofStatesandindividualsunderinternationallaw.Thisincludes,butisnotlimitedto, the obligation to allow and facilitate rapid and unimpeded delivery of reliefconsignments,equipmentandpersonnel,protectsuchconsignments,andfacilitatetheirrapiddistribution.Norwill theseguidelinesaffect theobligationsofStatesthatarepartiestotheUnitedNationsConventionsontheSafetyandSecurityofUnitedNationsPersonnel,theGenevaConventionsof1949andtheirAdditionalProtocolsof1977,ortheCharteroftheUnitedNations.

Organization

18. Theremainderofthedocumentisdividedintotwoparts.Thefirstsectioncontainsprinciplesthatguidetheuseofforeignmilitaryandcivildefenceassetsindisasterreliefoperations.ThesecondsectiondescribesthetasksandresponsibilitiesofkeyactorsinsituationswhereUNMCDAareusedandinsituationswhenotherdeployedforces are requested by the United Nations to support humanitarian activities.ThreeAnnexesareattachedtothedocument:

10 11

• AnnexI:ModelAgreementCoveringtheStatusofMCDA

• AnnexII:ExampleofCMCSRequestforMCDA

• AnnexIII:Abbreviations

Comments, Recommendations and Future Changes

19. This document was prepared under the auspices of the UN MCDA Project. Itcomplements theexisting“GuidelinesOn theUseofMilitaryandCivilDefenceAssets in Support of United Nations Humanitarian Activities in ComplexEmergencies”(“MCDAGuidelines”-March2003).TheCivil-MilitaryCoordinationSection (CMCS) of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs(OCHA) provides the Secretariat for the UN MCDA Project and is responsiblefor maintaining these guidelines. Comments should be directed to the Chief,CMCS, Emergency Services Branch, OCHA (Geneva), Palais des Nations, CH-1211Geneva10,Switzerland,orcmcs@un.org.ProposedchangeswillbebroughtforwardannuallyintheConsultativeGroupOnTheUseOfMCDAandincorporatedinconsultationwiththeAdvisoryPaneltoCMCS,andwhennecessaryreferredtotheERCandIASC.

12 13

Core Principles 20. AsperUNGeneralAssemblyResolution46/182humanitarianassistancemustbe

providedinaccordancewiththeprinciplesofhumanity,neutralityandimpartiality.

• Humanity: Human suffering must be addressed wherever it is found,withparticularattention to themostvulnerable in thepopulation,suchaschildren,womenandtheelderly.Thedignityandrightsofallvictimsmustberespectedandprotected.

• Neutrality: Humanitarian assistance must be provided without engagingin hostilities or taking sides in controversies of a political, religious orideologicalnature.

• Impartiality: Humanitarian assistance must be provided withoutdiscriminating as to ethnic origin, gender, nationality, political opinions,raceorreligion.Reliefofthesufferingmustbeguidedsolelybyneedsandprioritymustbegiventothemosturgentcasesofdistress.

21. In addition to these three humanitarian principles, the United Nations seeks toprovidehumanitarianassistancewithfullrespectforthesovereigntyofStates.AsalsostatedinGeneralAssemblyResolution46/182:

“Thesovereignty,territorialintegrityandnationalunityofStatesmustbefullyrespectedinaccordancewiththeCharteroftheUnitedNations.Inthiscontext,humanitarianassistanceshouldbeprovidedwiththeconsentof theaffectedcountryandinprincipleonthebasisofanappealbytheaffectedcountry.”

22. The United Nations humanitarian agencies involved in humanitarian activitiessubscribe to these principles and have incorporated these concepts in theirrespectivemandatesandoperationalguidelines.

23. Asamatterofprinciple, themilitaryandcivildefenceassetsof forces thatmaybeperceivedasbelligerentsorofunitsthatfindthemselvesactivelyengagedincombatintheaffectedcountryorregionshallnotbeusedtosupportUNhumanitarianactivities.

Complementarity

24. Militaryandcivildefenceassetsshouldbeseenasatoolcomplementingexistingreliefmechanismsinordertoprovidespecificsupporttospecificrequirements,inresponseto theacknowledged«humanitariangap»between thedisasterneeds that the reliefcommunityisbeingaskedtosatisfyandtheresourcesavailabletomeetthem.

Principles and Concepts

12 13

Responsibility and Management

25. MCDA can be mobilized and deployed bilaterally or under regional or allianceagreementsas“otherdeployedforces”oraspartofaUnitedNationsoperationas“UNMCDA”.Alldisasterrelief,includingMCDAshouldbeprovidedattherequestorwiththeconsentoftheAffectedStateand,inprinciple,onthebasisofanappealforinternationalassistance.

26. All relief actions remain the overall responsibility of the Affected State and arecomplementedby foreignMCDAoperatingbilaterally orwithin an internationalreliefeffort.

Costing and Funding

27. ForeignMCDAassistanceshouldbeprovidedatnocosttotheAffectedState,unlessotherwiseagreedbetweenconcernedStatesorregulatedbyinternationalagreements.

28. AnAssistingStatedecidingtoemployitsMCDAshouldbearinmindthecost/benefitratioofsuchoperationsascomparedtootheralternatives,ifavailable.Inprinciple,the costs involved in using MCDA on disaster relief missions abroad should becoveredbyfundsotherthanthoseavailableforinternationaldevelopmentactivities.

Identification and Security

29. Inprinciple,foreignmilitaryandcivildefencepersonneldeployingondisasterreliefmissionswilldosounarmedandinnationaluniforms.TheoverallresponsibilityforprovidingadequatesecurityforauthorizedforeignMCDAsupportremainswiththeAffectedState.

Legal Status

30. On thebasisofArticle105of theCharterof theUnitedNations, individualUNMCDApersonnel,alerted,mobilizedanddeployedat the requestofOCHAmaybegrantedthestatusofexpertsonmissionfor theUnitedNationsaccordingtoarticleVIoftheConventiononthePrivilegesandImmunitiesoftheUnitedNationsadoptedbytheGeneralAssemblyon13February1946.

31. MostforeignMCDAdeployedinanaturaldisasterwillbedeployedbasedonbilateralagreementsormultilateraltreaties.Theseagreementsshouldaddressthestatusofforcesdeployedonreliefoperations.Ifsuchagreementshavenotbeenconcluded,itisrecommendedthatStates,wishingtoactbilaterally,shouldmakeuseoftheModelAgreementcoveringtheStatusofMCDAsetoutinAnnexIofthisdocument.

14 15

Key Concepts For Use Of Military and Civil Defence Assets (MCDA) by UN Agencies

32. Inadditionand in the frameworkof theabove-mentionedprinciples, theuseofMCDAbyUNagenciesinresponsetoanaturaldisastershallbeguidedbythesixfollowingstandards:

i. RequestsforMCDAtosupportUNagenciesmustbemadebytheHumanitarianCoordinator/ResidentCoordinator,withtheconsentoftheAffectedState,andbasedsolelyonhumanitariancriteria.

ii. MCDAshouldbeemployedbyUNhumanitarianagenciesasalastresort,i.e.onlyintheabsenceofanyotheravailablecivilianalternativetosupporturgenthumanitarianneedsinthetimerequired.

iii. AUNhumanitarianoperationusingmilitaryassetsmust retain itsciviliannatureandcharacter.WhileMCDAmayremainundermilitarycontrol, theoperationasawholemustremainundertheoverallauthorityandcontroloftheresponsiblehumanitarianorganization.Thisdoesnotinferanyciviliancommandandcontrolstatusovermilitaryassets.

iv. Humanitarian work should be performed by humanitarian organizations.Insofarasmilitaryorganizationshavearoletoplayinsupportinghumanitarianwork,itshould,totheextentpossible,notencompassdirectassistance,inordertoretainacleardistinctionbetweenthenormalfunctionsandrolesofhumanitarianandmilitarystakeholders.

v. AnyuseofMCDAshouldbe,atitsonset,clearlylimitedintimeandscaleandpresentanexitstrategyelementthatdefinesclearlyhowthefunctionitundertakescould,inthefuture,beundertakenbycivilianpersonnel.

vi. CountriesprovidingMCDAtosupportUNhumanitarianoperationsshouldensurethattheyrespecttheUNCodesofConductandthehumanitarianprinciples.

33. Implementingandoperationalpartnersandmembersofinternationalcivilsociety,areexpectedtoadheretothesecoreprinciplesandhavebeenencouragedtoadoptthe«CodeofConductfortheInternationalRedCrossandRedCrescentMovementandNon-GovernmentalOrganizations(NGOs)inDisasterRelief”.

Avoiding Reliance on Military Resources

34. MostMCDAprovidedbyMemberStatesexplicitlyforUNusearedivertedfromothermissionsandareonly temporarilyavailable.Whenhigherprioritymilitarymissions emerge these assets and/or forces may be recalled by the MemberStatesorregionalorganizationsconcerned.Therefore,asageneralprinciple,UN

14 15

humanitarianagenciesmustavoidbecomingdependentonmilitaryresourcesandMemberStatesareencouragedtoinvestinincreasedciviliancapacityinsteadoftheadhocuseofmilitaryforcestosupporthumanitarianactors.

35. However,therearecircumstanceswhenmostrequirementsorsecurityconditionsaresuchthatmilitaryassetsprovide themeansof lastresort foraddressingtheneedsinatimely,effectiveway.Insuchcases,militaryresources,whenavailable,may be appropriate for use. In general these assets can be divided into twocategories: United Nations Military and Civil Defence Assets (UN MCDA) andresourcesfromotherdeployedforces.

36. TheprincipaldistinctionsbetweenthesetwotypesofresourcesarethatUNMCDAhavebeenplacedunderthecontroloftheUNhumanitarianagenciesanddeployedon a full-time basis specifically to support UN humanitarian activities. Only alimitednumberof theseresourcesarenormallyavailableformostemergencies.Other deployed forces are under the direction, and/or support of other entities,includingforeignforcesstationedintheAffectedStateorregion,militaryresourcesprovidedunderbilateralormultilateralagreements,andUNpeacekeepingforces.

Operational Standards for the Use of UN MCDA

37. Tobeeffective, thedirectionandcoordinationof theoverallhumanitarianeffortrequires the leadership of professional humanitarian staff. As such, UN MCDAshould always remain under civilian control. However, humanitarian agenciesmaking use of MCDA must understand that ultimately the safety and securityof these assets is the responsibility of the designated military or civil defencecommander,andAssistingStateswillnormallydirecttheircommanderstodeclinemissionstheyviewasunnecessarilyriskyorinappropriate.

38. In principle, unarmed UN MCDA, accepted as neutral and impartial, and clearlydistinguished from other military units, can be used to support the full range ofhumanitarianactivities.However, their involvement indirectassistanceshouldbeweighedonacase-by-casebasisandonlyifitsatisfiesthecriteriaoflastresort.Theiractivitiesshouldfocusonindirectassistanceandinfrastructuresupportmissions.

39. Militaryandcivildefencepersonnelemployedexclusively in thesupportofUNhumanitarianactivitiesshouldbeclearlydistinguishedfromthoseforcesengagedin other military missions, including the military component of peacekeepingmissions, peace operations and peace support, and accorded the appropriateprotectionbytheAffectedStateandanycombatants.

40. AcceptablemeansfordistinguishingUNMCDAfromsecurityandforcesengagedinmilitaryoperationsarethemarkingsofthesupportedUNhumanitarianagency

16 17

or the use of civil defence markings accorded protection under the GenevaConventions. When UN MCDA are from military organizations the appropriatewhite markings and UN symbols may be used. When civil defence assets areemployedtheyshouldbemarkedinaccordancewiththeGenevaConventions.

41. Militarypersonnelprovidingdirectassistanceshouldnotbearmedandshouldrelyonthesecuritymeasuresofthesupportedhumanitarianagency.GuidelinesforthesecurityofUNpersonnelaresetbytheUNDepartmentofSafetyandSecurity(UNDSS)

42. UndernocircumstancewilltherequestforUNMCDAbeconstruedasanendorsementof any military operations or be used as a justification for undertaking combatoperations,resortingtotheuseofforce,ortheviolationofStatesovereignty.

43. Under no circumstance will UN MCDA be used to provide security for UNhumanitarianactivities.Aseparatesecurityforcemay,however,beusedtoensuresecurityinareaswherehumanitarianpersonnelmaybeattackedwhiledeliveringhumanitarian assistance. Such assistance, however, is not addressed in thisdocument.FurtherreferencecanbefoundintheNon-BindingGuidelinesonTheUseofMilitaryandArmedEscortsforHumanitarianConvoys(textof14September2001approvedbytheIASCWorkingGroup).

Operational Standards for the Use of Other Deployed Forces

44. MilitaryforcesdeployedbyMemberStatesorregionalorganizationsmayalsoprovidesupport to UN humanitarian agencies when requested by the UN HumanitarianCoordinatororotherdesignatedofficials.WhentheseforcesundertakeactivitiesinsupportofUNhumanitarianagenciesortheirimplementingandoperationalpartners,thissupportwillbeonacase-by-casebasis,subject toa request.Thesemilitaryassetswillremainunderthecontrolofthemilitaryforcecommander.

45. Military or civil defence forces undertaking missions to support UN humanitarianactivities should reconcile their modus operandi with the circumstances of theoperatingenvironment.Undertheseconditionsonly,andprovidedthemodusoperandiinquestionrespectsallappropriatehumanitarianprinciples,shouldtheHumanitarianCoordinator,orotherresponsibleUNauthority,authorizethemission.

46. Military and Civil Defence units, other than UN MCDA, performing assistancemissions are in principle not granted any special protection other than thosegrantedbytheAffectedState,noraretheyauthorizedtodisplaytheemblemsofthesupportedUNhumanitarianagencies.

47. AswithUNMCDAtheuseofotherdeployed forcesbyUNagenciesshouldbecoordinatedwiththeAffectedState.

16 17

United Nations Humanitarian Civil-Military Coordination (UN-CMCoord) in Natural Disasters

48. InresponsetomostmajornaturaldisasterstheUnitedNationswilldeployaUnitedNationsDisasterAssessmentandCoordination(UNDAC)Team.Whentherearemajor international search and rescue operations to be coordinated, this teamwillestablishanOn-siteOperationsCoordinationCentre(OSOCC).ThesereliefcoordinationtoolsaredeployedinsupportoftheLocalEmergencyManagementAuthority (LEMA), normally at the request of the Humanitarian Coordinator orResidentCoordinator.Civil-militarycoordinationwilloftentakeplacewithinthisframeworkandinclosecoordinationwiththelocalandnationalauthorities.

49. Criticalareasforcoordinationincludesecurity,logistics,medical,transportation,and communications. In these areas, the steady flow of timely information isessentialforthesuccessofhumanitarianmissions.WithintheseareastherewilloftenbeopportunitiesfortaskdivisionandplanningatbothseniorlevelsoftheUNandthemilitaryandatthefieldlevel.

50. Oneoftheeffectivewaystoshareinformation,andwhenappropriatesharetasksandparticipateinplanning,isthroughtheexchangeofliaisonpersonnelfromtheappropriate UN humanitarian agencies and the military at the necessary levels.OCHA’sCivil-MilitaryCoordinationSection(CMCS)offerstrainingtomilitaryandcivilianactorsincivil-militarycoordinationandliaisoninbothnaturaldisastersand complex emergencies. Several UN humanitarian agencies have built upcadresofpersonnelexperiencedinliaisingwithmilitarypersonnel.TrainedliaisonpersonnelarealsoavailablethroughtheCMCStoUNhumanitarianagenciesandotheractorsrespondingtonaturaldisastersandcomplexemergencies.

18 19

Affected State and Transit States51. TheAffectedStatehasprimaryresponsibilityforprovidinghumanitarianassistance

on its territory.TheAffectedStatehas the right todecline theuseofMCDAona case-by-case basis, even though UN humanitarian agencies may have beenrequestedbytheAffectedStateortheUNSecretaryGeneraltoprovideassistance.

52. StatesadoptingaspecificpolicyontheuseofforeignMCDAwithinitsbordersmayconsidermakingthispositionknowntotheUNResidentCoordinatorand/orUNHumanitarianCoordinator(ifpresent),andtheUNOfficefortheCoordinationofHumanitarianAffairs(OCHA).

53. National authorities in potential Affected States are responsible for disasterpreparednessplans,whichshouldincludethereceiptofinternationalassistance,proceduresforreceiptanduseofforeignMCDA,andtrainingforthecoordinationandemploymentoftheseassets.

54. The Affected State should provide to the international community timely andaccurate information on the nature and magnitude of the disaster, in order toenhancetheeffectivenessofexternalassistance.(Ifnecessary,OCHAcanassisttheAffectedStateinthistaskthroughitsUNDACprogramme.)

55. Disaster-proneStatesthatarepotentialrecipientsofforeignMCDAshouldadviseOCHAoftheiranticipatedreliefassistanceneeds,appointasinglenationalpointofcontacttofacilitatethereceiptoftheseresources,andconfirmtheirpolicyandpointofcontactattheonsetofanemergency.

56. StatesthatpermitUNhumanitarianagenciestocallonMCDAalreadydeployedbyothernationswithintheirbordersshouldmakeanyrestrictionsontheuseoftheseforcesknowntoOCHAandshouldincludetheserestrictionsintheStatusofForcesAgreements(SOFA)establishedbetweentheirgovernmentsandthegovernmentsorresponsiblealliance/coalitionwhichhaveforcesstationedintheircountry.ThisdoesnotprecludeStatesfromimposingrestrictionsontheuseofmilitaryforcesdeployedwithinitsbordersonacase-by-casebasis.

57. AffectedStatesshouldprovidesecurityforUNMCDAoperatinginsupportofUNhumanitarianactivities in thesamemanner that theywouldprovidesecurity forotherUNhumanitarianpersonnelandresources.UNMCDAshallhaveatleastthesamefreedomofmovement,immunities,privileges,andexemptionsaffordedtheUNhumanitarianagencieswhenworkinginsupportoftheseactivities,includingwhenenrouteandreturningtotheirunitsorstations.

Tasks and Responsibilities

18 19

58. Ifinternationalassistanceisnecessary,itshouldberequestedorconsentedtobytheAffectedStateassoonaspossibleupontheonsetofthedisastertomaximizeitseffectiveness.ItshouldalsoprovideAssistingStateswithinformationonhowto tailor internationalassistance to itsparticularcustomsandtraditions.(OCHAcanassist theAffectedState through thedisseminationof situation reportsandemergencyappeals.)

59. AffectedStatesshouldalsoinformOCHAandanyAssistingStatesofthestructureoftheLocalEmergencyManagementAuthorityandhowtheyintendtomanageanyforeignMCDA.Thisinformationaswellaspointsofcontactshouldbeaswidelydisseminatedaspossible.

60. Affected States should advise the necessary ministries and local governancestructuresoftheimpendingarrivalofforeignMCDAandfacilitatetheirdeploymentbyensuring:

• Overflightandlandingpermission

• Waiverofcommercialdocumentation

• Exemptionfromcustomsduties

• Waiverofvisarequirements

• Freeaccesstodisasterzones

• Recognitionofcertificates

• Authorizationoftransportandcommunicationusage

• SecurityofMCDA

61. AffectedStates thataresignatoriesof theTampereConventionontheProvisionof Telecommunication Resources for Disaster Mitigation and Relief OperationsshouldextendtheprovisionsofthistreatytoincludetheforeignMCDAdeployedontheirterritory.

62. TheAffectedStateshouldnotify theAssistingStates,OCHAandotherassistingpartieswhenreliefoperationsaretoceaseandfacilitatethewithdrawalplansfortheforeignMCDAandotherassistingorganizations.

63. Transit States are those States whose national borders, territorial waters, andairspace are crossed by foreign MCDA moving to and from and conductingoperations in the Affected State. Transit States, especially those bordering theAffected State, will facilitate the movement of MCDA requested by the AffectedState in the same manner that they facilitate the movement of relief goods andpersonnel.

64. TransitStatesshouldconfirmtoOCHAandconcernedStatesthetransitfacilitiesandassistanceavailable,aswellaspossiblepreconditions.

20 21

65. TheTransitStateshouldconfirmtoStatesinvolvedthegovernmentorganhavingtheresponsibilityforthemonitoring,facilitationandcoordinationofforeignMCDAintransitandnotifyOCHAimmediately.

66. TheTransitStateisresponsibleforthesafetyoftheUNMCDAwhileintransitofitsterritory.Itshouldfullyrecognizetheirstatusandgrantappropriateprivilegesandimmunities,andprovidesecurityduringtheirtransit.

67. If procedures have not already been established for resolution of claims anddisputestheyshouldbesettledinaccordancewiththeModelAgreementcoveringtheStatusofMCDAprovidedinAnnexI.

Humanitarian Coordinator (HC) / Resident Coordinator (RC)

68. WhenaHumanitarianCoordinatorhasbeendesignated,heorsheisresponsiblefor initiating requests forUNMCDAorapproving theuseofothermilitaryandcivildefenceresources.IfaHChasnotbeenappointed,thedecisiontorequestUNMCDAoruseothermilitaryandcivildefenceresourcesrestswiththeResidentCoordinator, after consultation with the UN Humanitarian Country Team. TheindividualchargedwithcoordinatingtheUNeffortwillensurethatAffectedStateclearanceisobtainedpriortoprocessingtherequestatthecountrylevel.

69. Before requesting these assets the HC/RC will consult with the appropriateauthoritiesoftheAffectedStateandtheEmergencyReliefCoordinator(ERC),asappropriate.IftheAffectedStateiscapableofandwillingtoprovidethecoordinationstructureforanaturaldisaster,thisarrangementshouldbeused.

70. IntheabsenceofaHCorRC,thedecisiontouseMCDAtosupportUNhumanitarianactivities,willbemadebytheERC,inconsultationwiththeIASC.

71. TheHCorRCwillensurethatthecoordinationmechanismsandspecificguidelinesareinplacetoeffectivelyemploythesebytheUNhumanitarianagenciesrespondingtothenaturaldisaster,toincludemeansforthesharingofinformationand,whereappropriate,theexchangeofliaisonpersonnel.

72. TheHC/RCwillplanfortheearliestpossiblereleaseofMCDAandensurethatUNhumanitarianactivitiesdonotbecomedependenton theseoranyothermilitaryandcivildefenceresources,oncethenaturaldisasterhaspassed.

73. In circumstances where there is likely to be a protracted emergency and reliefconditionsarelikelytore-emerge,thesupportedUNhumanitarianagencieswillmakearrangements for theseneedstobemetwithresourcesavailable fromtheAffectedStateorotherciviliansources.

20 21

74. WhenMCDAareusedbyUNhumanitarianagenciesor their implementingandoperationalpartners,theHC/RCwillensurethatprocedures,consistentwiththeseGuidelinesandUNpolicies/regulations,isputinplacetocontroltheuseofUNMCDA.

75. When other deployed forces are providing support on a case-by-case basis toUN humanitarian agencies and their implementing and operational partners,theHC/RCwillensure that theprovisionofhumanitarianassistancebymilitaryforcesdoesnotcompromisethehumanitarianactorsandthatthemilitaryforcesperformingthesemissionsunderstandtheimportanceandhumanitarianpurposeofsuchmissions.TheHC/RCwillalsoseek toensure thatassistanceactivitiescarriedoutbyotherdeployedforcesontheirownbehalfdonotcompromiseUNhumanitarianefforts.

76. TheHC/RCorthedesignatedUNauthorityrequestingtheMCDA,shouldreviewregularly, with MCDA commanders, the modus operandi of supporting forcesand offer appropriate advice and guidance. This review should include suchconsiderationsas:thetypesoftaskthatcanbeperformed,howtheunitisarmedand its rules of engagement, types of uniforms and equipment, the chain ofcommand,useofliaisonofficers,exitcriteriaforthemissionortask,statusoftheforcestoincludeprivilegesorimmunities,claimsandinsurancematterssuchasdamagecompensation.

UN Humanitarian Agencies

77. UN humanitarian agencies will request the use of UN MCDA through theHumanitarian Coordinator or Resident Coordinator that has coordinationresponsibilitiesforthedisaster.

78. Except in situations where there is imminent loss of life or acute suffering,UN humanitarian agencies will avoid ad hoc local requests for MCDA and theuncoordinateduseofothermilitaryandcivildefenceresources.IfinexceptionalsituationsUNMCDAorothermilitaryandcivildefenceresourcesareused,UNhumanitarianagencieswillreportthisusetotheresponsiblecoordinator,includingwhentheyexpecttheassetstobereleasedandhowtheyintendtominimizetheiruseinthefuture.

79. UN humanitarian agencies supported by MCDA will respect the integrity andchainsofcommandofthesupportingunits.Theywillclearlystatewhattheywanttheunittoaccomplishandleavetheunitcommanderasmuchlatitudeaspossibleindetermininghowheorshewillaccomplishthedesiredoutcome,providedthatcorehumanitarianprinciplesarefullyrespected.

22 23

80. MCDA supporting UN humanitarian activities will normally not be used in thedirect delivery of assistance. When possible the supported UN humanitarianagencieswill try touseMCDAinamanner thatdoesnotcall intoquestion theneutralityorimpartialityoftheagency,implementingandoperationalpartnersorotherhumanitarianactors.

81. UNhumanitarianagenciesshouldacknowledgetheMCDAsupportbeingprovided,butavoidmakinganypublicstatementsonbehalfoftheUNMCDAunits.

82. UNhumanitarianagenciesmakinguseofMCDAwillreportthearrival,departureandstatusoftheseassetstotheCivil-MilitaryCoordinationSectionofOCHA,throughtheHumanitarianCoordinator/ResidentCoordinator,toensurethattheassetsareproperlytrackedandthecontributionisrecordedandacknowledgedbytheUnitedNations.

Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)

83. WithintheOfficefortheCoordinationofHumanitarianAffairs,Geneva,theCivil-Military Coordination Section (CMCS) has the primary responsibility for themobilizationofUNMCDAandcivil-militarycoordinationinanemergency.

84. CMCSwillprocesstherequestforUNMCDA,makethenecessaryarrangementswiththeMemberStates,andtracktheuseoftheseassetsbytheUNhumanitarianagencies.AsampleCMCSRequestforMCDAcanbefoundinAnnexII.

85. CMCS,withdonorsupport,willmaintainatrainingprogrammeforthoseinvolvedintheuseofmilitaryandcivildefenceassetstosupportUNhumanitarianactivities,withspecialattentiontothetrainingofliaisonpersonnelandtheproceduresandmethodsforUNHumanitarianCivil-MilitaryCoordination(UN-CMCoord).

86. On behalf of the Member States, CMCS will maintain a roster of UN-CMCoordtrained liaisonpersonnel andassist inmobilizing thesepersonnel to support theHumanitarianCoordinator/ResidentCoordinatorandtheUNhumanitarianagencies.

87. If a UN Joint Logistics Centre (UNJLC) is established, CMCS will coordinatetheUNMCDAusedtosupportlogisticswiththeUNJLC,whichisaprimarytoolfor humanitarian logistics in most large-scale emergencies. Likewise, CMCSwill assist OCHA Humanitarian Information Centres (HIC) in obtaining relevantinformationfromthemilitarywhereaHICorsimilarinformation-sharingactivityhasbeenestablished.

88. CMCS will maintain the necessary tools to facilitate UN-CMCoord and themobilizationofMCDA,toincludedatabasesandcommunicationscapacity.

22 23

89. GeneralAssemblyResolution46/182mandatesOCHAtoestablishandmaintainacentralregisterofallspecializedpersonnelandteamsoftechnicalspecialists,aswellasreliefsupplies,equipmentandservices,includingMCDA,availablewithintheUnitedNationssystemand fromMemberStatesand intergovernmentalandnon-governmentalorganizations, that canbecalleduponat shortnoticeby theUnitedNations.

90. CMCS maintains the Directory of MCDA of the Central Register of DisasterManagementCapacities.BasedoninformationprovidedbyStates,thisDirectoryenablesOCHAtomatchresourcesandassetstotheneedsofspecificdisasters.States and organizations owning military-related disaster relief capabilities willbecontactedonthebasisoftheinformationprovidedintheiranswerstoOCHAquestionnaires and included in the MCDA Directory of the Central Registerdatabase.

91. IfrequestedbyMemberStates,OCHAandCMCSwillfacilitatethemobilizationanddeploymentofMCDA,especiallythoseassetsregisteredintheCentralRegister.

92. At the requestof theHC/RC,or at thedirectionof theERC,CMCSwilldeployUN-CMCoordOfficers,eitherindependentlyorasapartoftheUNDACTeam,tofacilitateforeignMCDArequestedorapprovedbytheAffectedState.

Assisting State and Foreign Military or Civil Defence Commanders

93. States or regional organizations and peacekeeping forces involved in militaryoperationsbeyondtheirbordersshouldincludeintheguidanceorordersissuedtoforceorcontingentcommanderstheparametersfortheuseoftheirresourcesto support relief operations. Commanders should establish their force modusoperandi taking into account the operational circumstances, International Law,andcoreHumanitarianPrinciples andconsultwith theAffectedState,ERCandHumanitarian/ResidentCoordinatororcognizanthumanitarianauthority,includingtheOCHACivil-MilitaryCoordinationSection(CMCS)forfurthertechnicaladvice,beforedeployingintothedisasterarea.

94. In anemergency,prospectiveAssistingStateswithmilitary resourcesdeployedintheaffectedarea,orinreasonableproximity,shouldtakeappropriateactiontofacilitatereliefoperations.Thiscouldincludeinformationonanyassetsavailabletosupportessentialhumanitarianfunctionsincludingthetransportofreliefgoods,themovementofpersonsatrisk,andthereestablishmentofbasichumanservices,includingmedicalcare.

24 25

95. ThecommandersofUNMCDAassignedspecificallytosupportUNhumanitarianactivities,andotherdeployedforcesperforminghumanitariansupportmissionsattherequestoftheUN,willavoidcompromisingtheneutralityandimpartialityoftheseagencies,theirimplementingandoperationalpartnersandotherhumanitarianactorsrespondingtoanaturaldisaster.Likewise,allsupportingactivitieswillbeconductedinamannerthatrespectsthedignity,culture,religions,andlawsoftheaffectedpopulation.

96. Militaryorcivildefenceorganizationsdispatchedtosupportreliefactivitiesshouldbe self-supporting for the duration of their mission in terms of transport, fuel,foodrations,waterandsanitation,maintenanceandcommunications,inordertoavoidplacingadditionalstressonoverburdenedlocalauthoritiesorthesupportedhumanitarianactors.

97. Unlessspecificallyexempted,UNMCDAwillabidebythesecurityandmovementsproceduressetbytheUNDepartmentofSafetyandSecuritytoensurethesafetyofUNpersonnelandbepreparedtoprovidenon-securityrelatedassistanceintherelocationorevacuationofUNpersonnel,shouldtheneedarise.

98. States providing UN MCDA will not exploit these missions for the purpose ofintelligencecollection,propaganda,orpsychologicaloperations.

99. When military forces have assumed responsibility for vital civilian functions,suchasdeliveryofwater,provisionofpower,orthesafeoperationofanairfield,regardlessofhow this responsibilitywasacquired, theywill facilitateasmoothtransferofthesefunctionstotheappropriatecivilianauthority,incoordinationwiththeUNHumanitarianCoordinator/ResidentCoordinatorand/orLocalEmergencyManagementAuthorities(LEMA),andassoonaspossible.Thiswillbedoneinatimelymanner,wellpriortoterminatingthissupport,toensurethatanydisruptionofserviceswillnothaveanadverseimpactonreliefandrecoveryactivities.

100. All Member States are requested to make known to OCHA their MCDA, whichcouldbemadeavailableforreliefoperations,andcompletethenecessaryrecordsintheMCDADirectoryoftheCentralRegistermaintainedbyOCHA.Ataminimum,thefollowinginformationshouldbeprovided:nationalpointsofcontact,thetypeandquantityofresourcesandservicesthatmaybemadeavailable,andcriteria,preconditions and limitations (cost, deployment time, geographical range ofaction,etc.)fortheuseofitsMCDA.Providingthisinformationdoesnotobligatethegovernmenttomakeavailabletheseoranyassetsincaseofadisaster.

24 25

101. AssistingStatesintendingtodeployMCDAshouldprepareadequatecontingencyplansaddressingthefunctionaldisciplinesofdisasterreliefandensurethattheirforcesareadequatelyequippedandtrained.

102. States should, immediately after receiving a request for assistance, indicate toOCHA their capacity to assist. Any preconditions and operational requirementsshouldalsobeconfirmed.

103. TheAssistingStateshouldprovide,inrespectofitsMCDAcontribution,appropriateinformation to the Affected State and OCHA, if appropriate, in accordance withthe standard movement certificate proposed in the Convention On TemporaryAdmission(Istanbul,26June1990).

104. The Assisting State should ensure that international standards for the quality,packaging and marking of relief supplies are met, bearing in mind the needs,customsandtraditionsoftheAffectedState.

105. The Assisting State should ensure that its military and civil defence personnelactinaccordancewiththestatusagreeduponwiththeAffectedState.UNMCDAdeployed at the request of and cooperating with OCHA will conform to theprovisionsofarticleIVoftheConventiononthePrivilegesandImmunitiesoftheUnitedNationsadoptedbytheGeneralAssemblyon13February1946.

106. TheAssistingStateshouldnotifyinatimelymannertheAffectedState,OCHAandotherassistingpartiesofthedurationofitsassistanceandwithdrawalplansforitsMCDA.

107. If procedures have not already been established for resolution of claims anddisputestheyshouldbesettledinaccordancewiththeModelAgreementcoveringtheStatusofMCDAprovidedinAnnexI.

26 27

ANNEX I - MODEL AGREEMENT COVERING THE STATUS OF MCDABasing itself upon established practice, the Consultative Group on the Use of MCDAhaspreparedamodelagreementcovering thestatusofMCDA,whichappearsbelow.ThemodelisintendedtoserveasabasisforthedraftingofindividualagreementstobeconcludedbetweenStatesortheUnitedNationsandStatesonwhoseterritoryMCDAinIDRAoperationsaredeployed.Assuchitissubjecttomodificationsthatmaybeagreeduponbetweenthepartiesineachcase.

The model, mutatis mutandis, may also serve as the basis for an agreement with anAffectedStateinoperationswherenoOCHApersonnelaredeployed.

I. DEFINITIONS

1. ForthepurposeofthepresentAgreementthedefinitionscontainedintheUnitedNations Oslo Guidelines on the Use of Military and Civil Defence Assets inDisasterReliefshallapply.AlsoforthepurposeofthisAgreementtheemploymentofmilitaryandcivildefence/protectionteams,unitsand/orexpertsinIDRA,willbereferredtoasthe“MCDAoperation”.

II. APPLICATION OF THE PRESENT AGREEMENT

2. Unlessspecificallyprovidedotherwise, theprovisionsof thepresentAgreementapplyonlyintheterritoryoftheAffectedState.

III. APPLICATION OF THE CONVENTION ON THE PRIVILEGES AND IMMUNITIES OF THE UNITED NATIONS1

3. The Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations of 13February1946(hereafterreferredtoas“theConvention”)shallapplytotheMCDAoperation if the military and civil defence personnel are alerted, mobilized anddeployed at the request of OCHA and operating within the field coordinationmechanisms,subjecttotheprovisionsspecifiedinthepresentAgreement.

or

4. TheAffectedStategrants to theMCDAoperation, including itsproperty, funds,assets and members, the privileges and immunities specified in the presentAgreement,aswellasthoseprovidedforintheConventiontowhichtheAffectedStateandtheAssistingStateareParties.

1 United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 1, p. 15, and vol. 90, p. 327 (corrigendum to vol. 1).

Annexes

26 27

IV. STATUS OF THE MCDA OPERATION

5. The MCDA operation and its members shall refrain from any action or activityincompatiblewiththehumanitariannatureoftheirdutiesorinconsistentwiththespiritof thepresentarrangements.TheMCDAoperationand itsmembersshallrespectalllocallawsandregulations.TheHeadoftheMCDAoperationshalltakeallappropriatemeasurestoensuretheobservanceoftheseobligations.

A. Identification And Vehicle Markings

6. TheGovernmentoftheAffectedStategrantstotheMCDAoperationtherighttodisplaythenationalflagorothersuitableidentificationatitsheadquarters,campsor other premises, and on its vehicles and vessels. Military and civil defencepersonneldeployedundertheauspicesofOCHAandholdingthestatusofexpertsonmissionfortheUnitedNationswillwearanappropriatemarking.

B. Communications

7. The Government of the Affected State grants to the MCDA operation the rightto use the facilities with respect to communications as may be required for theperformanceofitstask.Issueswithrespecttocommunications,whichmayariseandwhicharenotspecificallyprovidedforinthepresentAgreementshallbedealtwithpursuanttotherelevantprovisionsoftheTampereConventionontheProvisionofTelecommunicationsResourcesforDisasterMitigationandReliefOperations.

8. SubjecttotheprovisionsoftheTampereConvention:

a) TheMCDAoperation isgiven the right to installandoperate radiosendingand receiving stations as well as satellite systems to connect appropriatepointswithin the territoryof theAffectedState,witheachotherandwith itsnational telecommunicationsnetwork.The telecommunicationservicesshallbeoperatedinaccordancewithinternationaltelecommunicationconventionsandregulationsandthefrequenciesonwhichsuchstationsmayoperateshallbedecideduponincooperationwiththeGovernmentoftheAffectedState.

b) TheMCDAoperationisgiven,withintheterritoryoftheAffectedState,therighttounrestrictedcommunicationbyradio(includingsatellite,mobileandhand-heldradio),telephone,telegraph,facsimileoranyothermeans,andofestablishingthenecessaryfacilitiesformaintainingsuchcommunicationswithinandbetweenpremisesoftheMCDAoperation,includingthelayingofcableandlandlinesandtheestablishmentoffixedandmobileradiosending,receivingandrepeaterstations.ThefrequenciesonwhichtheradiowilloperateshallbedecideduponincooperationwiththeGovernmentoftheAffectedState.

28 29

c) TheMCDAoperationisallowedtomakearrangementsthroughitsownfacilitiesfor the processing and transport of private mail addressed to or emanatingfrommembersoftheMCDAoperation.TheGovernmentoftheAffectedStateshallbeinformedof thenatureofsucharrangementsandundertakesnot tointerferewithorapplycensorship to themailof theMCDAoperationor itsmembers. In the event that postal arrangements applying to private mail ofmembersoftheMCDAoperationareextendedtotransferofcurrencyorthetransportofpackagesandparcels,theconditionsunderwhichsuchoperationsareconductedshallbeagreedwiththeGovernmentoftheAffectedState.

C. Travel And Transport

9. TheGovernmentoftheAffectedStategrantstotheMCDAoperationanditsmemberstogetherwithitsvehicles,vessels,aircraftandequipment,freedomofmovementwithinthedisasterzoneoftheAffectedStateandanyotherareanecessaryforthefulfillmentofitstask.TheGovernmentundertakestosupplytheMCDAoperationwithanyinformationwhichmaybeusefulinfacilitatingitsmovements.

10. Vehicles,includingallmilitaryvehicles,vesselsandaircraftoftheMCDAoperationshallnotbesubjecttoregistrationorlicensingbytheGovernmentoftheAffectedStateprovidedthatallsuchvehiclesshallcarrythird-partyinsurancerequiredbytherelevantlegislations.

11. TheMCDAoperationmayuseroads,bridges,tunnels,canalsandotherwaterways,portfacilitiesandairfieldswithoutthepaymentofdues,tollsorcharges.

D. Privileges And Immunities Of The MCDA Operation

12. The Government of the Affected State grants the MCDA operation the status,privileges and immunities as provided for in the present Agreement and inparticulargrantstotheMCDAoperationtheright:

a) Toimport,freeofdutyorotherrestrictions,equipment,provisions,suppliesandothergoods,whicharefortheexclusiveandofficialuseoftheMCDAoperation;

b) Toclearexcustomsandexcisewarehouse,freeofdutyorotherrestrictions,equipment,provisions,suppliesandothergoodswhicharefortheexclusiveandofficialuseoftheMCDAoperation;

c) Tore-exportorotherwisedisposeofequipmentasfarasitisstillusable,allunconsumedsupplies,andothergoodssoimportedorclearedexcustomsandexcisewarehousewhicharenottransferredorotherwisedisposedof,ontermsandconditionstobeagreedupon,tothecompetentlocalauthoritiesoftheAffectedStateortoanentitynominatedbythem.

28 29

13. To the end that such importation, clearances, transfer or exportation may beeffectedwiththeleastpossibledelay,amutuallysatisfactoryprocedurealongthelines recommended by the Oslo Guidelines, including documentation, shall beagreedbetweentheMCDAoperationandtheGovernmentoftheAffectedStateattheearliestpossibledate.

V. FACILITIES FOR THE MCDA OPERATION

14. TheGovernmentof theAffectedStateundertakes toprovidewithoutcost to theMCDAoperationand in agreementwith theHeadof theMCDAoperationsuchareas for headquarters, camps or other premises as may be necessary for theconduct of the operational and administrative activities of the MCDA operationandfortheaccommodationofitsmembers.Withoutprejudicetothefactthatallsuchpremises remain the territoryof theAffectedState, theGovernmentof theAffectedStateundertakestotreat themasbeingsubject to theexclusivecontrolandauthorityoftheHeadoftheMCDAoperation.

15. TheGovernmentof theAffectedStateundertakes toassist theMCDAoperationas far as possible in obtaining and making available, where applicable, water,electricityandotherfacilitiesfreeofcharge,or,wherethisisnotpossible,atthemostfavourablerate,andinthecaseofinterruptionorthreatenedinterruptionofservice,togiveasfaraspossiblewithinitspowersthesameprioritytotheneedsoftheMCDAoperationastoessentialgovernmentservices.Wheresuchutilitiesorfacilitiesarenotprovidedfreeofcharge,paymentshallbemadebytheMCDAoperationon termstobeagreeduponwith thecompetentauthority.TheMCDAoperation shall be responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of facilities soprovided.

16. The MCDA operation shall be given the right, where necessary, to generateelectricityforitsuseandtotransmitanddistributesuchelectricity.

A. Provisions, Supplies, Services And Sanitary Arrangements

17. TheGovernmentof theAffectedStateundertakes toassist theMCDAoperationasfaraspossibleinobtainingequipment,provisions,suppliesandothergoodsand services from local sources required for its subsistence andoperations. Inmakingpurchasesonthelocalmarket,theMCDAoperationshall,onthebasisofobservationsmadeand informationprovidedby theGovernmentof theAffectedStateinthatrespect,avoidanyadverseaffectonthelocaleconomy.TheGovernmentoftheAffectedStateshallexempttheMCDAoperationfromsalestaxesinrespectofallofficiallocalpurchases.

30 31

18. TheMCDAoperationshallcooperatewith theGovernmentof theAffectedStatewithrespecttosanitaryservicesandmattersconcerninghealth,particularlywithrespecttothecontrolofcommunicablediseases,inaccordancewithinternationalconventions.

B. Recruitment Of Local Personnel

19. The MCDA operation may recruit locally such personnel as it requires. Upontherequestof theHeadof theMCDAoperation, theGovernmentof theAffectedStateundertakestofacilitatetherecruitmentofqualifiedlocalstaffbytheMCDAoperationandtoacceleratetheprocessofsuchrecruitment.

VI. STATUS OF THE MEMBERS OF THE MCDA OPERATION

A. Privileges And Immunities

20. TheHeadof theMCDAoperation andothermembers, asmaybe agreeduponwith theGovernmentof theAffectedState,shallbeaccorded theprivilegesandimmunities, inaccordancewithsections19and27of theConvention,providedthat the privileges and immunities referred therein shall be those accorded todiplomaticenvoysbynationalorinternationallaw.

21. IfMCDAoperatewithin theOCHAfieldcoordinationmechanismasUNMCDA,as provided for in the Oslo Guidelines, members of the MCDA operation shallbe considered as experts on mission within the meaning of article VI of theConvention.

22. Inanyothercase,membersoftheMCDAoperationshallenjoytheprivilegesandimmunitiesspecificallyprovidedforinthepresentAgreement.

23. UnlessotherwisespecifiedinthepresentAgreement,locallyrecruitedmembersoftheMCDAoperationshallenjoytheimmunitiesconcerningofficialactscarriedoutwithintheMCDAoperation.

24. Membersof theMCDAoperationshallbeexempt fromtaxationon thepayandemoluments received from an Assisting State and any income received fromoutsidetheAffectedState.Theyshallalsobeexemptfromallotherdirecttaxesandfromallregistrationfeesandcharges.

25. MembersoftheMCDAoperationshallbegrantedtherighttoimportfreeofdutytheirpersonaleffectsinconnectionwiththeirarrivalintheAffectedState.Specialfacilitieswillbegrantedby theGovernmentof theAffectedState for thespeedyprocessingofentryandexitformalitiesforallmembersoftheMCDAoperation.

30 31

26. On departure from the Affected State, members of the MCDA operation may,notwithstandingtheabove-mentionedexchangeregulations,takewiththemsuchfundsas theHeadof theMCDAoperationcertifieswerereceivedorrepresentareasonableresiduethereof.

27. The Head of the MCDA operation shall cooperate with the Government of theAffectedStateandshallrenderallassistancewithinhisorherpowertoensuretheobservanceofthecustomsandfiscallawsandregulationsoftheAffectedStatebythemembersoftheMCDAoperation,inaccordancewiththepresentAgreement.

B. Entry, Residence And Departure

28. TheGovernmentoftheAffectedStategrantstothemembersoftheMCDAoperationtherighttoenter,resideinanddepartfromtheAffectedState.

29. TheGovernmentof theAffectedStateundertakes to facilitate the entry into anddeparturefromitsterritoryof themembersof theMCDAoperationandshallbekeptinformedofsuchmovements.Forthatpurpose,themembersoftheMCDAoperation shall be exempt from passport and visa regulations and immigrationinspectionandrestrictionsonenteringordepartingfromtheAffectedState.TheyshallalsobeexemptfromanyregulationgoverningtheresidenceofaliensintheAffectedState,includingregistration,butshallnotacquireanyrighttopermanentresidenceordomicileintheAffectedState.

30. For thepurposeof suchentry anddeparture,membersof theMCDAoperationshallberequiredtohave:

a) AnindividualorcollectivemovementorderissuedbyorundertheauthorityoftheHeadoftheMCDAoperationoranyappropriateauthorityoftheAssistingState;

b) ApersonalidentitycardissuedbytheappropriateauthoritiesoftheAssistingState.

C. Identification

31. TheHeadoftheMCDAoperationshallissuetoalllocallyrecruitedpersonnelanidentitycard,whichshallcontainthefollowinginformation:fullname;dateofbirth;service(ifappropriate);dateofissueanddateofexpiration,andaphotograph.

32. MembersoftheMCDAoperation,aswellaslocallyrecruitedpersonnel,shallberequiredtopresent,butnottosurrender,theiridentitycardsupondemandbyanappropriateofficialoftheGovernmentoftheAffectedState.

32 33

D. Uniforms And Arms

33. MembersoftheMCDAoperationshallbepermittedtowearthenationalmilitaryorcivildefenceuniformsoftheirState.ThosemilitaryandcivildefencepersonneldeployedasUNMCDAshallbeidentifiedbyappropriatemarkings.

34. The Affected State will determine as part of this Agreement if Members of theMCDAoperationmaycarryarmsfortheirownprotection,whileperformingofficialduties.

E. Permits And Licenses

35. TheGovernmentoftheAffectedStateagreestoacceptasvalid,withouttaxorfee,acertificateprovidedonrequestbytheHeadoftheMCDAoperationinrespectofthe technical andprofessionalqualificationsof anyof itsmemberspracticingaprofessionorsimilaroccupationinconnectionwiththeMCDAoperation.

F. Maintenance Of Discipline And Mutual Assistance

36. TheHeadof theMCDAoperationshall takeall appropriatemeasures toensurethe maintenance of discipline and good order among its members, as well aslocallyrecruitedpersonnel.TothisendpersonnelmaybedesignatedbytheHeadof the MCDA operation to police its premises as well as such areas where itsmembersaredeployed.ElsewheresuchpersonnelshallbeemployedonlysubjecttoarrangementswiththeGovernmentoftheAffectedStateandinliaisonwithitinsofarassuchemploymentisnecessarytomaintaindisciplineandorderamongmembersoftheMCDAoperation.

37. The personnel mentioned in paragraph 36 above may take into custody anyunauthorizedpersonfoundonthepremisesoftheMCDAoperation.SuchapersonshallbedeliveredimmediatelytothenearestappropriateofficialoftheGovernmentof theAffectedState responsible fordealingwithanyoffenceordisturbanceonsuchpremises.

38. Subjecttotheprovisionsofparagraphs20and21above,officialsoftheGovernmentoftheAffectedStatemaytakeintocustodyanymemberoftheMCDAoperation:

a) WhensorequestedbytheHeadoftheMCDAoperation;

b) When such a member of the MCDA operation is apprehended in thecommissionorattemptedcommissionofacriminaloffence.Suchapersonshall bedelivered immediately, togetherwith anyweaponsor other itemsseized,totheHeadoftheMCDAoperation.

32 33

39. TheMCDAoperationandtheGovernmentoftheAffectedStateshallassisteachotherincarryingoutallnecessaryinvestigationsintooffensesinrespectofwhicheitherorbothhaveaninterest.

40. TheGovernmentoftheAffectedStateshallensuretheprosecutionofpersonssubjecttoitscriminaljurisdictionwhoareaccusedofactsinrelationtotheMCDAoperationoritsmembers,which,ifcommittedinrelationtotheofficialsoftheGovernmentoftheAffectedState,wouldhaverenderedsuchactsliabletoprosecution.

VII. JURISDICTION

41. TheGovernmentoftheAffectedStategrantstoallmembersoftheMCDAoperation,includinglocallyrecruitedpersonnel, immunityfromlegalprocessinrespectofwordsspokenorwrittenandallactsperformedbythemintheirofficialcapacity.Suchimmunityshallcontinueevenaftertheyceasetobemembersof,oremployedby, the MCDA operation and after the expiration of the other provisions of thepresentAgreement.

42. Should the Government of the Affected State consider that any member of theMCDAoperationhascommittedacriminaloffence, itshallpromptly informtheHeadoftheMCDAoperationandpresenttohimanyevidenceavailable.

43. TheGovernmentoftheAssistingStategivesitsassurancetotheGovernmentoftheAffectedStatethatitwillexercisejurisdictionwithrespecttocrimesoroffences,whichmaybecommittedbymembersoftheMCDAoperation.

44. IfanycivilproceedingisinstitutedagainstamemberoftheMCDAoperationbeforeanycourtoftheAffectedState,theHeadoftheMCDAoperationshallbenotifiedimmediately,andheorsheshallcertifytothecourtwhetherornottheproceedingisrelatedtotheofficialdutiesofthemember:

a) IftheHeadoftheMCDAoperationcertifiesthattheproceedingisrelatedtoofficialduties,suchproceedingsshallbediscontinuedandtheprovisionsofparagraph41ofthepresentAgreementshallapply.

b) IftheHeadoftheMCDAoperationcertifiesthattheproceedingisnotrelatedto official duties, the proceeding may continue. If the Head of the MCDAoperationcertifiesthatamemberoftheMCDAoperationisunable,becauseof official duties or authorized absence, to protect his or her interests inthe proceeding, the court shall, at the defendant’s request, suspend theproceedinguntiltheeliminationofthedisability,butfornotmorethanninetydays.PropertyofamemberoftheMCDAoperationthatiscertifiedbytheHeadoftheMCDAoperationasnecessaryforthefulfillmentofthemember’s

34 35

officialfunctionsshallbefreefromseizureforthesatisfactionofajudgment,decisionororder.ThepersonallibertyofamemberoftheMCDAoperationshallnotberestrictedinacivilproceeding,whethertoenforceajudgment,decisionororder,tocompelanoathorforanyotherreason.

VIII. SETTLEMENT OF DISPUTES

45. Exceptasprovidedinparagraph47ofthisAgreement,anydisputeorclaimofaprivate lawcharacter towhich theMCDAoperationoranymember thereof isapartyandoverwhich thecourtsof theAffectedStatedoesnothave jurisdictionbecauseofanyprovisionofthepresentAgreement,shallbesettledbyaClaimsCommissiontobeestablishedforthatpurpose.OnememberoftheCommissionshall be appointed by each Government and a chairperson shall be appointedjointlyby theSecretary-Generalof theUnitedNationsand theGovernments (ortheGovernmentsonlyiftheMCDAoperationisnotdeployedundertheprovisionsofUNMCDA).Ifnoagreementastothechairpersonisreachedwithinthirtydaysof theappointmentof the firstmemberof theCommission, thePresidentof theInternationalCourtofJusticemay,attherequestofeithertheSecretary-Generalof theUnitedNations, ifappropriate,orofanyof theGovernments,appoint thechairperson.AnyvacancyontheCommissionshallbefilledbythesamemethodprescribed for the original appointment, provided that the thirty-day periodthereprescribedshallstartassoonasavacancyoccurs.TheCommissionshalldetermineitsownprocedures,providedthatanytwomembersshallconstituteaquorumforallpurposes(exceptforaperiodofthirtydaysaftertheoccurrenceofavacancy)andalldecisionsshallrequiretheapprovalofanytwomembers.Theawardsof theCommission shall be final andbinding, unless theGovernmentspermitanappealtoatribunalestablishedinaccordancewithparagraph47.TheawardsoftheCommissionshallbenotifiedtothepartiesand,ifagainstamemberoftheMCDAoperation,theHeadoftheMCDAoperationortheGovernmentoftheAssistingStateshalluseitsbestendeavourstoensurecompliance.

46. Disputes concerning the terms of employment and conditions of service oflocallyrecruitedpersonnelshallbesettledbytheadministrativeprocedurestobeestablishedbytheHeadoftheMCDAoperation.

47. AnyotherdisputebetweentheMCDAoperationandtheGovernmentoftheAffectedState,andanyappealthatbothofthemagreetoallowfromtheawardoftheClaimsCommissionestablishedpursuanttoparagraph45shall,unlessotherwiseagreedbytheparties,besubmittedtoatribunalofthreearbitrators.TheprovisionrelatingtotheestablishmentandproceduresoftheClaimsCommissionshallapply,mutatismutandis,totheestablishmentandproceduresofthetribunal.Thedecisionsofthetribunalshallbefinalandbindingonbothparties.

34 35

48. AlldifferencesbetweentheGovernmentoftheAssistingStateandtheGovernmentoftheAffectedStatearisingoutoftheinterpretationorapplicationofthepresentAgreement,whichinvolveaquestionofprincipleconcerningtheConvention,shallbedealtwithinaccordancewithsection30oftheConvention.

IX. SUPPLEMENTAL ARRANGEMENTS

49. TheHeadoftheMCDAoperationandtheGovernmentoftheAffectedStatemayconcludesupplementalarrangementstothepresentAgreement.

X. LIAISON

50. TheHeadoftheMCDAoperationandtheGovernmentoftheAffectedStateshalltakeappropriatemeasurestoensurecloseandreciprocalliaisonateveryappropriatelevel.

XI. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

51. Wherever thepresentAgreement refers to theprivileges, immunities and rightsgrantedtotheMCDAoperation,theGovernmentoftheAffectedStateshallhavetheultimateresponsibility for the implementationand fulfillmentofsuchprivileges,immunities,rightsandfacilitiesbytheappropriatelocalauthorities.

52. ThepresentAgreementshallenterintoforceonthedatespecifiedinthisAgreementor inanaccompanyingexchangeof lettersbetween theAssistingStateand theAffectedState.

53. ThepresentAgreementshallremaininforceuntilthedepartureofthefinalelementoftheMCDAoperationfromtheAffectedStateexceptingparagraphs41,43,44insectionVII,paragraphs45,46,47,48insectionVIIIandparagraph50insectionXwhichshallremaininforceuntilallclaimshavebeensettledthathadarisenpriorto the terminationof thepresentAgreementandhadbeensubmittedprior toorwithinthreemonthsofsuchtermination.

36 37

ANNEX II – CMCS SAMPLE REQUEST FOR MCDA

UNITEDNATIONS NATIONSUNIES

OFFICEFORTHECOORDINATIONOFHUMANITARIANAFFAIRS

BUREAUDELACOORDINATIONDESAFFAIRESHUMANITAIRES

PalaisdesNations,CH-1211Genève10TEL:+41(0)229171234FAX:+41(0)229170023

FACSIMILE

To:A:

(seeattacheddistributionlist)

Fax: (seeattacheddistributionlist)

Date: [date/month/year]

From:De:

[name]ChiefCivil-MilitaryCoordinationSectionEmergencyServicesBranch

Subject:Objet:

RequestforMilitaryandCivilDefenceAssets(MCDA)

Ref.: [emergencytitle]-MCDARequestNo.[insert]

YOUSHOULDRECEIVE......PAGES(includingcoversheet)

URGENTURGENTURGENTURGENTURGENT

Inconnectionwiththeemergency:[emergencytitleanddateofemergency].

TheOCHACivilMilitaryCoordinationSection(CMCS)hasreceivedarequestfrom[requestingorganization]in[location]for:

[MCDAMODULE-X]

36 37

DETAILS[example]:Movementof4(four)snowclearingvehiclesandassociatedsnowclearingequipmentfrom[departurelocation]to[destination].Specificationsasfollows:

VEHICLES2xUnimog,U1650Model:-Length-5100mm-Width-2170mm-Height-2855mm-Weight-6,100kg

1xUnimog,400LModel:-Length-5620mm-Width-2200mm-Height-2960mm-Weight-6,700kg

1xUnimog,U2450Model:-Length-5190mm-Width-2340mm-Height-2850mm-Weight-6,800kg

ACCESSORIES4xSnowblades(Tarronmodels):-Width-3200mm-Height-1200mm-Depth-1000mmwithmounting-Weightwithmounting1200kg(each)

2xSnowblowers(VF5ZLmodels):-Height-1060mm-Length-3200mm-Weight-1066kg(each)

BACkGROUND[example]:Thedeliveryofcriticalhumanitarianaidtotheremotemountainvillagesisbeingdelayedthroughimpassibleroadsresultingfromheavysnowfall.Theseheavy-dutyvehiclesareurgentlyneededtoprovideimmediatesnowclearingcapabilitytoensureaidreachesthesevulnerablepopulations.

TIMING:Immediate.

CONTACTINFORMATION:PleaseinformCMCSNLTCOB[insertdeadline]ifyourcountry/organizationisinterestedinsupportingthisoperation,entirelyorpartly.Pleasealsoindicateifyourcountryiswillingtoprovidetheseassetsfreeofcharge.ForfurtherinformationpleasecontacttheActionOfficer,coordinatesdetailedbelow.

ACTIONOFFICER:[name]CMCS,ESB,OCHA-GenevaTel.+41(0)22917[…]Mobilephone:+41(0)79[…]Fax.+41(0)229170023Back-uptel.nos.+41(0)229175755/1394Back-upfaxno.+41(0)229170363E-mail:cmcs@un.org

PLEASE REPLY TO THIS REQUEST NO LATER THAN CLOSE OF BUSINESS [INSERT DEADLINE].

38

AFCENT Allied Forces Central CommandAFDRU Austrian Forces Disaster Relief UnitCMCS Civil Military Coordination Section (Part of ESB, OCHA (Geneva))CMCoord Civil-Military CoordinationDHA Department of Humanitarian Affairs (now OCHA)ECHO European Community Humanitarian OfficeERC UN Emergency Relief CoordinatorESB Emergency Services Branch (Part of OCHA (Geneva))HC UN Humanitarian CoordinatorHIC Humanitarian Information CentreIASC Inter-Agency Standing CommitteeICDO International Civil Defence OrganisationICRC International Committee of the Red CrossICVA International Council of Voluntary AgenciesIDP Internally Displaced PersonIDRA International Disaster Relief AssistanceIFRC International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent SocietiesINSARAG International Search and Rescue Advisory GroupInterAction American Council for Voluntary International ActionIOM International Organisation for MigrationLEMA Local Emergency Management AuthorityMCDA Military and Civil Defence AssetsNATO North Atlantic Treaty OrganisationNGO Non-Governmental OrganisationOCHA UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (Formerly DHA)OSOCC On-Site Operations Coordination CentreRC UN Resident CoordinatorSCHR Steering Committee for Humanitarian Response SHAPE Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers EuropeSOFA Status of Forces AgreementUN United NationsUN-CMCoord United Nations Humanitarian Civil-Military CoordinationUNDAC United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination UNDSS UN Department of Safety and Security (formerly UNSECOORD)UNHCHR United Nations High Commissioner for Human RightsUNHCR United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees UNJLC United Nations Joint Logistics CentreWHO World Health Organisation

ANNEX III – ABBREVIATIONS

Designed and printed by the Publishing Service, United Nations, Geneva — GE.08-00982 — June 2008 — 5,000 — OCHA/ESB/2008/6

Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

OCHA

GUiDEliNES oN THE USE of forEiGN MiliTAry

and Civil defenCe ASSETS iN DiSASTEr rEliEf

revision 1.1 November 2007

Oslo Guidelines