Time line and phases

Recovery from disaster or conflict can be considered as having a series of phases—emergency response and transition, early recovery, medium term recovery, and long term development.

Emergency response and transition—The emergency humanitarian response in the crisis phase is the aspect of humanitarian work most widely observed by the media and best understood by the general public. Aid agencies deploy and work in the full glare of publicity. This phase passes, and a transitional phase begins, often characterised by the departure of many of the immediate response agencies and the media. The tragedy slips from public consciousness.

Early recovery—This phase starts with the ending of hostilities. It is a period of relative safety, but money, staff, and equipment often become scarce—despite earlier promises of aid, the tap is turned down, if not off. There then starts a period of uncertainty, which is open ended, difficult, and unglamorous.

Medium term recovery—By now, the affected region should have some form of government, even if this is externally imposed. The process of rebuilding infrastructure has begun, and recognisable instruments of a functioning state become evident, such as health and education ministries, the emergence of a civil service, and police. This period requires specialised aid.

Long term development—Long term recovery should have as its end point not just a …