Who's Stepping Up in a Crisis? Aid Organizations: The Hard Truth About Population Protection in Germany
- Shortfall in Population Defense by Aid Agencies: A Concern
Let's Get Real
It's the stark reality: Germany, according to major aid organizations like the German Red Cross (DRK), the German Samaritan Association (ASB), the German Life-Saving Association (DLRG), Johanniter Accident Assistance, and the Maltese Aid Service, is falling short when it comes to protecting its population in a crisis. As natural disasters and security threats grow, these organizations have issued a dire call to action, arguing that immediate reform is necessary.
Money ain't everything
Improved funding and stronger engagement from Germany in international civilian disaster networks are essential, the organizations agree. Yet, they also demand a far-reaching reform of the Civil Protection and Disaster Relief Act, along with nationwide regulations for releasing volunteer helpers. These changes, they believe, should treat aid organizations similarly to those in the Technical Relief Agency (THW) and the voluntary fire brigade, with the same rules for release, social security, and financial compensation. To sweeten the deal, the organizations propose improving the overall framework for volunteering.
The buck doesn't stop there
Responsibility for disaster protection lies with the states in Germany, while the federal government is responsible for civil protection in times of tension and defense. The aid organizations advocate for uniform crisis management, with joint training and regular exercises, but they are content to keep the existing arrangement otherwise.
Population: failing to prepare is preparing to fail
The organizations recognize the importance of civilians being prepared for crisis situations, so they can take action when they're needed most. To motivate the population to invest in their own resilience and adopt precautionary measures, the need for honest risk assessment is crucial. With Russia's hybrid warfare tactics making headlines, this assessment is more critical than ever.
People power: turning the chaos into order
Thomas Mähnert, board member of the Johanniter Accident Assistance, aptly sums up the situation: "In times of pandemic or flood, rescue and aid have not always been immediately available everywhere." It's essential to empower people to help themselves and others, he says, and programs like "First Aid with Self-Protection Content" are a step in the right direction.
Disjointed rules = disaster waiting to happen
Edith Wallmeier, ASB's business manager, warns that the different rules of the 16 federal states for disaster protection are a "weak point" in a nationwide crisis response. To address this, DLRG President Ute Vogt proposes eliminating value-added tax on boats, vehicles, and personal protective equipment for helpers.
Key Players- Aid organization- Crisis- DRK- Germany- Population protection- DLRG- Crisis situation- Johanniter Accident Assistance- Berlin- Federal government- THW- Natural disaster- German Samaritan Association- Maltese Aid Service
- The German Red Cross, German Samaritan Association, German Life-Saving Association, Johanniter Accident Assistance, and the Maltese Aid Service have called for an immediate reform of the Civil Protection and Disaster Relief Act in Germany, as well as nationwide regulations for releasing volunteer helpers, seeking to treat aid organizations similarly to the Technical Relief Agency and the voluntary fire brigade in terms of release, social security, and financial compensation.
- The aid organizations advocate for improved funding, stronger engagement from Germany in international civilian disaster networks, and uniform crisis management with joint training and regular exercises, while maintaining the existing arrangement of disaster protection responsibility lying with the states and the federal government accounting for civil protection in times of tension and defense.
- To motivate the population to invest in their own resilience and adopt precautionary measures during natural disasters and security threats, aid organizations like the Johanniter Accident Assistance propose programs like "First Aid with Self-Protection Content," while acknowledging the importance of honest risk assessment and voicing concerns about disjointed rules among the 16 federal states as a potential weak point in a nationwide crisis response.
