In response to the devastating earthquake that struck Türkiye and Syria on February 6, 2023, the International Humanitarian Partnership (IHP) launched an immediate deployment of personnel, equipment, and infrastructure to support international relief efforts. This coordinated action was crucial in enabling the United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) team and the European Union Civil Protection Team (EUCPT) to operate efficiently in affected areas.
Within hours of the earthquake, IHP mobilized specialized teams from Luxembourg (CGDIS), Finland (ESAF), Estonia (ERB), Denmark (DEMA), Norway (DSB), Sweden (MSB), and Germany (THW). These teams worked closely with UNDAC and EUCPT to provide essential field infrastructure, including ICT kits and Light Base Camps, which were used to set up reception and departure centres, on-site coordination facilities, and temporary living spaces for responders.
Recognizing the extensive needs of relief workers on the ground, IHP supplied 12 prefabricated containers in Hatay province to enhance office and accommodation capabilities. Provided by Denmark’s DEMA, these containers enabled sustained operations by creating reliable and comfortable spaces for coordination and planning, even amidst the unstable conditions.
IHP’s on-the-ground presence facilitated crucial logistical and administrative support for UN and EU teams. By establishing secure communication channels and a stable operational base, IHP allowed relief teams to focus on their primary mission: assisting the affected population.
Beyond infrastructure, IHP member countries provided critical relief items through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. Supplies such as tents, blankets, generators, and medical equipment were sent to help meet the immediate needs of displaced communities. This provision of essential goods complemented the on-site operational support and extended IHP’s impact.
The Türkiye earthquake response exemplified IHP’s role in enhancing international disaster relief operations. Through rapid mobilization, critical field support, and collaboration with UN and EU agencies, IHP ensured that responders had the infrastructure and resources required to deliver life-saving assistance in a challenging, high-demand environment.
In November 2019, Albania was hit by a series of powerful earthquakes that caused widespread destruction, particularly in the capital, Tirana, and surrounding areas. Following the initial rescue phase, an UNDAC team was activated to assist the Albanian authorities in managing emergency sheltering and continued response efforts. The International Humanitarian Partnership (IHP) was called upon to support the UNDAC team’s operations.
IHP responded promptly, deploying two experts from Finland, who were members of the Finnish Rescue Team and deployed by the Emergency Services Academy Finland (ESAF). The experts arrived in Tirana on 20th December 2019, and their mission continued until the UNDAC team was demobilized on 6th January 2020.
The primary focus of IHP’s support was to provide the UNDAC team with essential information management, ICT, logistics, and technical support. In addition to fulfilling these initial requirements, the Finnish experts also contributed to several assessment missions during the operation, helping to further refine the humanitarian response. The IHP experts worked closely with the UN Resident Coordinator, who provided them with the necessary facilities and support to carry out their tasks efficiently.
The IHP’s contribution was highly appreciated by the UNDAC team, as it ensured the smooth flow of information and coordination, which was crucial to the effectiveness of the overall response.
Cover Photo Credit: IFRC
A large scale 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck northwest of Nepal’s capital Kathmandu on 25 Apr 2015, killing thousands of people, destroying buildings and infrastructure. IHP was requested by the UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) to deploy staff and assets to support the critical relief efforts.
The shocks of the earthquake was felt in the surrounding countries and more than two dozen people were also reported killed in India, China and Bangladesh. The Nepalese Government has reported over 2,200 deaths and over 5,800 injured people as of 26 Apr. These figures are expected to increase as more information becomes available. The damage to roads, buildings and other infrastructure is severe. A few hours after the earthquake the Government officially requested for international assistance, especially in terms of Search and Rescue and medical capacity.
UNOCHA has activated assessment teams (UNDAC) and requested IHP to assist in enhancing coordination and communications capacity as well as securing adequate living and working conditions for staff. IHP is deploying 1 coordination module (On-Site Operations Coordination Center – OSOCC), 3 light base camps and 4 ICT modules to support the response efforts.
The IHP deployment is led by the Danish Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) and supported by the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) and the Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection (DSB).
Cover Photo Credit: UNDP Nepal
On January 12th, 2010, a catastrophic 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti, with its epicenter near the capital, Port-au-Prince. The impact was devastating: over 220,000 lives were lost, 300,000 people were injured, and 1.5 million were left homeless. Entire neighborhoods were flattened, critical infrastructure—including government buildings, hospitals, and schools—collapsed, and UN offices were reduced to rubble. The scale of destruction left the country paralyzed and overwhelmed the local capacity to respond.
The disaster quickly became one of the most pressing humanitarian crises of the decade. The international community, including the United Nations, national governments, and humanitarian organizations, mobilized resources and support to meet Haiti’s enormous needs. Coordination on such a scale required immediate solutions for communication, logistics, and infrastructure to ensure aid could be delivered efficiently.
The Role of IHP: Supporting Humanitarian Coordination in Haiti
In the aftermath of the earthquake, the International Humanitarian Partnership (IHP) swiftly responded to a request from the UNDAC (United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination) team, which assists in assessing needs and coordinating international relief. The IHP’s mission focused on two critical pillars: restoring communication capabilities and providing operational infrastructure for humanitarian workers.
1. ICT Modules for Communication and Coordination
Within days of the disaster, IHP deployed two Information and Communication Technology (ICT) modules, one from Finland and one from Sweden, to support the UNDAC teams on the ground. These modules—complete with laptops, satellite phones, GPS devices, and internet tools—were designed to reestablish communications in the chaotic aftermath and enable UNDAC teams to operate simultaneously in different locations.
“Two other IHP member countries, Estonia and Norway, remained on standby to provide additional ICT modules if needed,” said Lars Johansson from Sweden’s Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB). This swift deployment of ICT infrastructure was vital in ensuring the coordination of incoming international aid.
2. A Large-Scale Base Camp for Humanitarian Operations
As the extent of the destruction became clear, the World Food Programme (WFP) requested IHP’s assistance in building a large-scale base camp to accommodate humanitarian workers. With existing UN offices destroyed and local housing uninhabitable, there was an urgent need to establish a hub where UN staff could work, sleep, and access basic services.
This mission became one of IHP’s largest operations in its then 15-year history. Four member countries—Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Norway—each contributed base camp modules, which together provided accommodations for up to 200 people. The camp included office spaces, sleeping quarters, cafeterias, water, and sanitation facilities. Estonia further supported the mission by supplying specialized equipment.
The camp, located at “Camp Charlie” within an enclosed area near the airport, became a critical operational hub for the UN system. Henni Boudijema, the IHP Camp Manager, described the effort: “The IHP-staff from different countries is working together in an impressive way. Everybody here is talking about the IHP-spirit. This is teamwork at its best.”
The initial base camp, with a capacity of 230 people, was completed within a week. Due to overwhelming demand, the WFP requested additional accommodations for 100 more staff. Sweden contributed equipment for an additional 40 people, with other member countries stepping in to support further expansion.
The IHP-Spirit in Action
The Haiti mission highlighted the true strength of the IHP: collaboration across borders. No single country could provide a camp of this magnitude alone, but through the partnership’s collective expertise and resources, WFP’s needs were met.
Kjell Larsson, the IHP Chairman at the time, reflected on the success of the mission: “This intervention is a clear example of how the international partnership fills an important function.”
A Lasting Impact
The IHP’s contribution to the Haiti earthquake response was a cornerstone of the broader humanitarian effort, enabling effective coordination, communication, and operational continuity at a time when it was needed most. The camp at Camp Charlie became a symbol of resilience and international solidarity, demonstrating how partnerships like the IHP play a vital role in supporting those who work tirelessly to help others.
In moments of unprecedented crisis, the IHP spirit—collaboration, expertise, and dedication—shines through. Haiti’s story reminds us of both the devastating impact of disasters and the power of coordinated global response to help rebuild hope.
Cover Photo Credit: UN Photo/Sophia Paris
On September 30, 2009, a powerful 7.6-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Sumatra, Indonesia, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. The earthquake’s epicenter, located near the city of Padang in West Sumatra, triggered the collapse of buildings and infrastructure across the region. Official reports confirmed 1,115 fatalities, with 1,214 severely injured and thousands more suffering minor injuries.
The devastation extended to over 135,000 homes that were severely damaged, leaving 250,000 families, or 1.25 million people, homeless or displaced. Hard-hit areas like Padang, Padang Pariaman, and Agam faced the brunt of the destruction, struggling with collapsed buildings, disrupted communication lines, and overwhelmed local resources. Immediate humanitarian assistance was critical to support survivors and coordinate relief efforts in this disaster-stricken region.
IHP’s Support to UNDAC and OCHA: ICT and Base Camp Deployment
In the aftermath of the Sumatra earthquake, the International Humanitarian Partnership (IHP) responded swiftly to support UNDAC (United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination) and OCHA (United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs) in their relief efforts.
ICT Support
IHP deployed specialized Information and Communication Technology (ICT) modules to reestablish essential communication networks in the affected region. The modules were equipped with satellite phones, laptops, GPS devices, and internet access capabilities, enabling UNDAC teams to conduct real-time assessments, share information, and coordinate aid delivery. This ICT infrastructure proved vital in overcoming the region’s severely damaged communication systems, allowing humanitarian teams to operate efficiently across multiple locations.
Base Camp Establishment
In addition to ICT support, IHP facilitated the setup of a base camp near the epicenter to house and support humanitarian workers from UNDAC, OCHA, and other agencies. The camp provided accommodation, office spaces, and kitchen facilities, ensuring a secure and functional environment for responders to focus on their critical missions.
The IHP’s swift action in deploying both ICT solutions and base camp infrastructure played a key role in enabling coordinated and effective relief efforts in Sumatra. This mission highlighted the importance of partnerships and preparedness in responding to large-scale natural disasters.
Cover Photo Credit: UN Photo/E. Schneider
On February 3, 2008, a magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck the Lake Kivu region in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), located within the Western Rift of the East African Rift System. This region is a tectonic hotspot, where the Africa and Somalia plates are slowly moving apart at a rate of approximately four millimeters per year. Earthquakes in this zone, caused by both normal faulting and strike-slip faulting, are frequent due to the ongoing tectonic activity.
The 2008 earthquake occurred near the site of a devastating magnitude 7.6 earthquake in 1900 and within tens of kilometers from the epicenter of a magnitude 6.2 earthquake in October 2002, which had killed two people in Goma, the city closest to the epicenter. The latest earthquake caused significant damage, particularly in Goma, located on the northern shore of Lake Kivu. Several buildings were destroyed, infrastructure was disrupted, and the region, already struggling with the effects of ongoing conflict, faced severe challenges in providing relief to affected populations.
The immediate aftermath saw widespread panic and disruption in communication and logistics. Given the significant seismic activity in the region, coupled with the fragile infrastructure, the need for swift coordination and support was crucial for both emergency assessment and the delivery of aid.
IHP’s Support to UNDAC: Ensuring Connectivity in Goma
In response to the Lake Kivu earthquake, the United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) team was swiftly deployed to Goma to assist with the assessment and coordination of relief efforts. However, the destruction of key infrastructure, including roads and communication networks, severely hampered effective coordination and response.
To address these challenges, the International Humanitarian Partnership (IHP) provided critical ICT (Information and Communication Technology) support to the UNDAC team. The IHP deployment included satellite phones, laptops, and internet access solutions, which were essential for re-establishing reliable communication channels in the affected region. With these tools, UNDAC could coordinate rapidly with local authorities, relief organizations, and international agencies, ensuring that emergency supplies were delivered to the right locations in a timely manner.
IHP’s support also ensured that real-time assessments could be conducted, enabling aid organizations to identify priority needs in affected areas. These efforts were instrumental in restoring coordination among relief teams and ensuring that life-saving assistance reached the most vulnerable populations.
