Constraints in Mounting a Prompt Relief Effort in the Sudan Refugee Crisis 1984-1985.

Abstract

Despite adequate warning, an existing operational structure, and the presence of experienced non-governmental relief agencies (NGOs), a major disaster occurred when refugees fleeing from northern Ethiopia entered Sudan in late 1984 and early 1985. A review of the history of the early stages of that operation indicates that the problems were primarily political, managerial and organizational. This paper examines those problems, describes some of the changes that have taken place in the international relief system since that emergency, and suggests some further activities to reduce the number and scope of similar problems in the future.