Research indicates that disasters are on the rise all over the world. For example, in a recent report, the Red Cross and Red Crescent Climate Centre concludes that weather related disasters are on the increase, which is directly related to climate change.1 Depending on the scale of a disaster, any State may find its capacities overwhelmed by a major catastrophe. In such circumstances, international assistance may be critical to save lives and ensure the dignity of affected communities. It is therefore important that States – even those without recent experience receiving outside assistance – be prepared to address the need for outside assistance.
