The Agreement on the Establishment of the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management, commonly known as the AHA Centre, is a critical document that outlines the framework for the establishment and operation of the AHA Centre. The document was adopted by the ASEAN leaders in 2011 with the aim of enhancing the region`s capabilities in disaster response and management.
The AHA Centre is responsible for coordinating ASEAN`s collective response to disasters, both natural and man-made. The Centre`s primary role is to ensure that the region is well-prepared to respond to disasters, by facilitating the delivery of timely and effective humanitarian assistance and relief to affected communities. The AHA Centre also works to build the capacity of ASEAN member states in disaster management and response.
The Agreement sets out the structure and functions of the AHA Centre, as well as its governance and financial arrangements. The Centre is governed by a Governing Board, which is responsible for setting policies and guidelines for its operations. The Board is composed of representatives from each ASEAN member state, as well as representatives from the ASEAN Secretariat, the ASEAN Defence Ministers` Meeting, and the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Disaster Management.
The Agreement also outlines the Centre`s functions, which include conducting assessments of disaster situations, providing timely and effective relief to affected populations, facilitating information sharing and coordination among ASEAN member states, and coordinating the deployment of resources and personnel to affected areas. The Centre is also responsible for facilitating the development of disaster management plans and policies among ASEAN member states, as well as providing training and capacity building programs for disaster management personnel.
The AHA Centre is funded through voluntary contributions from ASEAN member states, as well as from external partners and donors. The Agreement stipulates that the Centre`s financial management and operations should be conducted in a transparent and accountable manner.
In conclusion, the Agreement on the Establishment of the AHA Centre is a significant document that underscores the commitment of ASEAN member states to enhancing their collective capacity in disaster management and response. The AHA Centre plays a critical role in ensuring that the region is well-prepared to respond to disasters, by providing timely and effective relief to affected communities. As ASEAN continues to face a growing number of disasters, the AHA Centre`s importance in the region will only continue to grow.
