From Theory to Practice: the Role of Disaster Response Missions

This chapter will be devoted to the analysis of the normative and institutional frameworks in the relevant sources of the law (at global, regional/sub- regional or domestic level) on how emergency operations should unfold on the field and which are the main issues in regard to their effective deployment. After a brief introduction, it will start with an analysis of the prescribed procedures for specific requests for assistance (Sect. 19.2). Section 19.3 will then focus on the ‘command and control’ paradigm in disaster response operations. In particular, we will analyse the existing tools and procedures addressing the modalities of disaster response operations through regional and sub-regional agreements, or through bilateral assistance. Finally, in Sect. 19.4 we will concentrate on the legal rec- ognition of disaster response missions, as a necessary precursor to many of the activities that are part of a relief effort, and Sect. 19.5 will shift the focus on the prescribed procedures on termination of international assistance.