The role of national governments in international humanitarian response to disasters

 This background paper explores the relationships between international humanitarian
actors and national governments in disaster-affected countries and how these are shifting in
response to changes both in national capacities and in the causes of crisis and vulnerability.
This is a relevant issue for two reasons. First, because governments are increasingly
asserting their sovereignty in relation to disaster relief. And second, because despite their
commitments to support the host government, recent disaster responses have
demonstrated the continuing failure of international systems to work effectively with
national authorities.