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FACTBOX: History of international aid in China
Source: AlertNet
The Sichuan quake marked the first time that China has requested outside help for a major disaster. Traditionally, it has been self-reliant. However, U.N. agencies and international aid groups have been active in China for several decades. Here's a brief history:
- The United Nations started formal co-operation in 1979 - China began to open up after Deng Xiaoping became leader in 1978
- However, the U.N. Children's Fund was in China from 1947-1951 during the war between the Communists and Nationalists. UNICEF says it therefore gave the first international assistance to the People's Republic of China (founded in 1949)
- China began co-operation with international non-governmental organisations (INGOs) in 1984. The first co-operation agreements with INGOs were signed in 1986
- In 1992, the China Association for NGO Cooperation (CANGO) was established as an intermediary between the government and many, but not all INGOs in China. It has relationships with around 150 organisations
- Unlike in other countries, the United Nations in China does not work directly with international aid agencies
- U.N. agencies have diplomatic status and China co-operates formally with them. Aid agencies do not have the same access to the government and do not go to U.N. co-ordination meetings with the government
- International aid agencies tend to work through local partners. They say building local relationships is key to success in China but is a slow process. In the quake zone, many worked with the relevant local government department rather than via the central government
- Hong Kong-based NGOs, which are sometimes grouped with international agencies and sometimes with domestic, have played an important role in the development and expansion of the civil society sector in mainland China
- Aid agencies say traditional government and institutional donors have started phasing out funding for aid work in China, but major European and U.S. corporations are increasing donations.
- Medecins Sans Frontieres provided medical equipment, drugs and tents. It helped treat the wounded and provide psychosocial support
- Action Aid provided tents, food, medicine, and educational materials during the relief phase. It is now helping rebuild homes
- Islamic Relief provided food and water and has been supporting the construction of transitional schools
- Operation Blessing China is supporting reconstruction of village homes, middle and high schools, water systems, and latrines
- Oxfam provided food, tents, portable toilets, public health training, and psychosocial support services in the relief phase. It is now helping build temporary schools and rebuild roads and water systems
- Save the Children distributed school supplies, established child protection activity centres, provided hygiene products, and conducted training on health
- AmeriCares helped install field hospitals
