a guide to peace support operations - The Watson Institute for ...

Part II, Section 3, paragraph 9
increase its resources and capacities for large-scale humanitarian operations.
Service packages are self-contained, “stand-alone units” in terms of administration,
accommodation, transport, and communications. They are provided for
specified requirements and periods. Service packages fall under the high
commissioner’s executive direction and command; they are humanitarian and
distinct from UN political/military activities.
Examples of service packages are:
c. Quick Response Mechanisms
• airport services and airhead management;
• logistics base services;
• road servicing and road security;
• site preparation; and
• provision of domestic fuel, sanitation facilities, and water
management.
In recent years, UNHCR, UNICEF, WHO, WFP, FAO, and UNDP have strengthened
their internal emergency response and support units or divisions. These
strengthening measures have included establishing rapid response entities (DHA-
Rapid Response Unit, WFP-Rapid Response Team, UNICEF-Rapid Response
Team). The purpose of these mechanisms is essentially to provide quick and
specialized resources in planning and preparing for a fuller agency and interagency
emergency response.
d. Stockpiles and Warehouses
(1) DHA Warehouse in Pisa, Italy
DHA maintains a permanent (renewable) stock of disaster relief items
near an airbase in Pisa. These are essentially nonfood and nonmedical
relief items, such as tents, blankets, etc., that have been donated by
various governments. WFP and WHO also are considering using this
facility for food and medical supplies.
(2) UNIPAC-UNICEF
An emergency stockpile is maintained at UNIPAC, UNICEF’s supply
division and warehouse in Copenhagen, a system that facilitates rapid
response to requests for emergency operations. Items in the warehouse
usually can be dispatched within hours. A listing of supplies and
their costs is kept up-to-date and available at all UNICEF offices.
Procurement and shipment of other supplies required for an emergency
is undertaken on an accelerated basis. The reimbursable pro-
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