Definition of Complex

Emergencies
 Definition of Complex Emergencies

Any situation in which the lives and well-being of children are at such
risk that extraordinary action, i.e. urgently required action beyond that
routinely provided, must be mobilized to ensure their survival, protection
and well-being.
Emergencies may be created by natural or technological disasters,
epidemics or conflicts.
A common feature of most definitions is that of a severe disruption of
family life and community services that overwhelms the normal
coping capacities of the affected people and society.
UNICEF distinguishes three main types of emergencies, namely
sudden disaster emergencies, slow onset emergencies and complex,
conflict-related emergencies.
The nature and duration of the problems that arise for children and
families, and approaches to helping to address those problems, vary
between these types of emergency, although there are also many
common features.
 Definition of Complex Emergencies: OCHA
What is a complex emergency?

The official definition of a complex emergency is a humanitarian crisis in a

country, region or society where there is total or considerable breakdown of
authority resulting from internal or external conflict and which requires an
international response that goes beyond the mandate or capacity of any single
agency and/ or the ongoing United Nations country program. (IASC,
December 1994)
Such complex emergencies are typically characterized by:
1. Extensive violence and loss of life; massive displacements of people;
widespread damage to societies and economies
2. The need for large-scale, multi-faceted humanitarian assistance
3. The hindrance or prevention of humanitarian assistance by political and
military constraints
4. Significant security risks for humanitarian relief workers in some areas
 Definition of Complex Emergencies
A complex humanitarian emergency may be defined as a national crisis in which:
Political authority and public services deteriorate or completely collapse
Internal ethnic, tribal, or religious conflict occurs, with widespread atrocities
against noncombatants
Massive population movements take place, with people escaping violence or
searching for food
Widespread food insecurity appears, frequently deteriorating into starvation
A public health emergency causes epidemics of communicable disease
The chaos leads to macro-economic collapse with massive unemployment,
devaluation of the currency, and negative GNP growth
These conditions may result initially from natural or man-made causes, but
their effects are often magnified by the politicization of the crisis.