This guide examines the broad topic of communication and its role in a range of different humanitarian and complex emergency situations. It details a range of humanitarian and conflict situations in which communication can play a role in providing lifeline information. Such information can help at-risk populations mitigate the effects of conflict, violence, civil unrest, health crises, natural disasters, and human-induced emergencies.
Complex emergency situations demand communication initiatives that support and promote humanitarian relief efforts, conflict reduction processes, and post-conflict transition and recovery. Without question, communication is playing an increasingly important role within complex emergencies. New information and communication technologies and burgeoning social media use are combining with the extensive reach and use of traditional media to provide crucial lifeline information resources for vulnerable people. This guide covers a range of important communication of relevance to a wide range of emergency situations. It includes examples of communication initiatives in a variety of contexts (Philippines, India, Bangladesh, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, South Sudan, Iraq, Egypt, Afghanistan and Pakistan) and, wherever possible, points readers to more detailed, high-quality, practical guidance and additional resource material.
