Godišnjak Fakulteta bezbednosti (Jan 2019)
Restoration and assistance system: Theoretical basis and functioning in the Republic of Serbia
Abstract
The system of reconstruction and assistance is the syntagm that best describes the process of addressing the consequences of natural and other disasters. Effective reconstruction involves adequate preparation, which includes training all potential actors in the process of assisting with the care for victims, as well as planning the necessary activities and resources needed in the process of reconstruction of the damaged and construction of new facilities. The frequency and magnitude of natural disasters with catastrophic consequences that exceed the capacity of nation-states led to the creation of an international assistance system. The International Disaster Reduction Strategy and the corresponding UN activities contribute to the promotion of the methodology gained from previous experiences. The establishment of an international relief mechanism also contributes to efficiency in responding to events with disaster elements. The state of affairs in the Republic of Serbia in the aftermath of the floods in May 2014 confirms the importance of the existence of institutionalized mechanisms for efficient addressing natural and other disasters. Given that the national system for responding in states of emergency was not capable of finding the solution to the problem on its own, the Republic of Serbia managed to cope with the situation aft er the floods thanks to the aid from international organizations and states that sent their teams of specialists. It is exactly because of this fact that the paper points to the importance of continuous work and preparations so that the community will be able not only to respond to challenges but also to preempt the emergence of events that may have catastrophic consequences.
