FCCISL and Oxfam GB partnership in humanitarian emergencies

An MoU was signed between the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL), and Oxfam GB recently in Colombo, with an aim of providing timely and effective response during humanitarian emergencies caused by natural disasters or conflicts.

Through this partnership, the organizations will work towards reducing the vulnerability of affected civilians, particularly women and children, at risk of diseases and discrimination due to unstable situations. To achieve this goal, the partnership will utilize the technical expertise of Oxfam GB and networks established across the island by FCCISL.

The decades of experience Oxfam GB has in responding to humanitarian emergencies, and the large membership of FCCISL, which spans 56 trade and industrial chambers and business associations, which collectively represent over 12,500 business entities of all legal forms, will ensure the long-term success of the partnership. Currently, the terms of this MoU are being applied to address the needs of more than 270,000 civilians residing in welfare camps in Vavuniya and Trincomalee, where Oxfam GB is already engaged in the humanitarian response.

According to this partnership, Oxfam GB will collaborate with FCCISL and their member organizations to implement activities to reduce the risk of disease and to improve the unsanitary conditions in the camps.

Activities agreed upon include FCCISL and their member organizations supplying labour and materials for the construction and setting up of emergency structures such as toilets, drainage, water supply systems and shelters, with Oxfam GB and their partners providing the necessary technical support.

The organizations will also work together to decommission all emergency structures and clearing the area after the emergency response will be carried out.