The role of national governments in international humanitarian response to disasters

This background paper explores the relationships between international humanitarian actors and national governments in disaster-affected countries and how these are shifting in response to changes both in national capacities and in the causes of crisis and vulnerability. This is a relevant issue for two reasons. First, because governments are increasingly asserting their sovereignty in relation to disaster relief. And second, because despite their commitments to support the host government, recent disaster responses have demonstrated the continuing failure of international systems to work effectively with national authorities.