Executive Summary
The complexity of humanitarian challenges in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) historically derives from the pre-existing causes- the long running conflict, instability and displacement in the Middle East as well as vulnerabilities related to natural disasters and socio-economic factors in most parts of the region. The humanitarian consequences of the recent civil unrest have exacerbated the situation across the region especially for the most vulnerable with minimal coping capacities.
The evolving context also provides opportunities including opportunities to enhance NS development with consolidated capacity building and facilitating transition and development in the changing socio-economic and political context. In addition to building up capacities, including disaster preparedness and response capacities as a matter of immediate requirement, the Federation’s strategic framework of support to the NSs will also focus on maximizing the opportunities through which they can re-position themselves in the changing context with a process of transition that can solidify the basis for sustainable NS development with well-defined and consolidated their auxiliary role and humanitarian mandate. The strategic framework of support will enable to achieve the key objective to develop strong NSs that can operate as effective and credible organizations maximizing their services to the most vulnerable. Effective implementation of the framework will also enable the NSs (especially the Gulf NSs in high income economies) to realize their full potential with optimal contribution to humanitarian endeavours at national, regional and global levels.