World Telecommunication Day 1997

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	Relief workers are often called upon to perform their duties in remote areas which are not served by telecommunications or where networks have been destroyed. Co-ordinating aid efforts, and keeping in touch with fellow workers, are vital to the rapid delivery of assistance where it is most needed. New types of satellite-based communications equipment is increasingly being used by aid agencies to establish a communications base in disaster-struck areas. Such equipment enables teams to exchange messages in the field, as well as communicate internationally with headquarters. Mobile Earth Station STD-A, which can be installed very rapidly in case of natural disaster (Source: ITU/Inmarsat)

	In large-scale disasters such as an earthquake, rapid co-ordination of rescue efforts is vital. Teams use specially trained dogs, and keep in contact with each other and the on-site operations centre via walkie-talkies. Effective use of all available resources is essential - the chances of finding people alive beneath the rubble and debris decreases with each passing minute. Earthquake in Mexico, 1985 (Source: ITU/Actualités Suisse)

	Embarking on an international relief project requires expert logistical planning and a high-level of preparedness. Essential telecommunications equipment is packed in trunks ready for immediate deployment on the ground. Usually, a range of equipment is chosen - satellite phones, radio systems, and so on - to ensure that, whatever the state of the fixed line network in the disaster zone, some form of communications will be possible. Transportability is also a key factor. Equipment must be able to be moved quickly and easily, while at the same time remain operational to keep the lines of communication open. Satellite phones and mobile cellular systems are small and easily portable, while radio can be used in the form of hand-held walkie-talkies or mounted inside workers' vehicles. La chaîne Suisse de Sauvetage preparing for a mission (Source: ITU/EDA/SKH)

	New types of satellite telecommunications systems, known as 'Global Mobile Personal Communications by Satellite', will soon make international phone calls possible from anywhere in the world, even in the absence of a fixed line telecommunications infrastructure. Using new types of Low- and Medium- Earth Orbiting satellites, users will be able to send and receive voice and fax messages, and even use their phones to send and receive data via their laptop computer. These new systems promise to aid greatly in international relief efforts, particularly in regions where a local phone system is absent, or has been destroyed. Satellite-based mobile handsets (Source: ITU/Globalstar)

	Refugee camps are often located far away from communications centres. Relief agencies like the Red Cross use portable communications such as satellite phones and radiocommunications equipment to keep in touch with their local delegations in the region, and with their headquarters in Geneva. Nyarushishi Camp in Rwanda (Source: ITU/International Committee of the Red Cross/I.Gassman)

	Keeping track of people during a large-scale exodus is difficult, but essential for ensuring that aid can be delivered to the most needy areas, and for facilitating the tracing and reunion of families once the crisis is over. Reliable on-the-ground communications are vital for monitoring the movement of communities, and for relaying information back to local headquarters so that relief supplies can be prepared and sent as quickly as possible. Communications links also bring the news of such events to the attention of the rest of the world, which can contribute to the relief effort and, in the case of political refugees, exert pressure on governments to alleviate the situation. Rwandan refugees crossing into Zaire (Source: ITU/ International Committee of the Red Cross/I.Gassman)

	HF and VHF radio equipment is one of the mainstays of international relief efforts. Used widely by every agency involved in humanitarian assistance, radio systems are portable, and, most importantly, reliable and disaster-resistant. Radiocommunications links often survive the kinds of natural disasters - such as storms and earthquakes - which can leave other telecommunications equipment disabled and out of action. Red Cross radio equipment Source: ITU/ International Committee of the Red Cross/Lukas Fellman)

	When rapid response is required, such as in the case of an Earthquake, portable satellite telephones can provide international communications, even if the public telephone network is no longer working. Teams equipped with satellite phones can stay in touch, phoning-in damage reports to a central base or lodging requests for assistance. The ability for team members to stay in constant contact throughout the search and rescue operations can save many lives. Satellite telephone equipment (Source: ITU/ Inmarsat)

	United Nations peace-keeping forces radio contact with the outside world during the crisis in the Former Yugoslavia. One of the most reliable telecommunications technologies, radio is frequently used in international aid efforts because of its resistance to damage and large installed user base. Forpronu in Sarajevo (Source: ITU/ SIRPA/ECPArmées)

	United Nations peace-keepers are often called upon to support international relief efforts. During the Bosnian crisis, the UN peace-keeping forces played a key role in ensuring the security and functioning of the airport at Sarajevo for the delivery of humanitarian assistance to that city and its environs. Radio equipment in Sarajevo airport tower run by the Forpronu (Source: ITU/ SIRPA/ECPArmées)