1.5 Host government coordination

The host government or authority is responsible for meeting the needs of the population, and for requesting any assistance from the international humanitarian community. The host government will establish coordination mechanisms with the international humanitarian community for response operations, often in cooperation with the UN system. As far as possible, CARE should promote and advocate for complementary rather than parallel systems.

At a minimum, the host government will usually establish information-sharing mechanisms to ensure that the government is informed about the activities of the international community and to provide information about the government’s response activities, policies and regulations.

In conflict situations, the willingness or capacity of the government or state institutions to lead or contribute to humanitarian activities may be compromised, and this will influence the nature of the relationships established with international humanitarian actors.