INTRODUCTION Over the past two years, 700 natural disasters were registered worldwide affecting more than

450 million people (IMF, Natural Disasters Hitting More People). The impact of these disasters has been further complicated by factors such as high population density, donor fatigue, resource scarcity, and climate change. When natural disasters strike, people are displaced from their homes and left without basic humanitarian needs, such as food, water and shelter. Highly populated areas must be able to provide these needs for a large group of people, and a limitation in immediate resources frustrates this ability. Donor fatigue and the increasing presence of climate refugees are obstacles for longterm rebuilding efforts. The combination of all these issues deem it imperative that states establish quick and complete response procedures within all states that are in line with already established procedures of existing aid organizations. Little can be done to stop disasters from occurring, but measures can be taken to ensure that the response to natural disasters is quick, efficient and more complete. Steps may be taken to create effective and efficient immediate response and cost-effective relief and recovery efforts in both developed and lesser developed states. Early warning proves effective in mitigating impact and may be sought through established step-by-step procedures on how to transport citizens to a safe environment during the course of a natural emergency. A further step must be taken to address evacuation needs and short to medium-term refugee problems such as the distribution of supplies, relevant medical issues, and relocation. The international community can become better equipped to provide rapid and effective recovery for people and states if procedures are established well before a natural disaster occur. These two actions ensure that states will act in the best interest of the people to protect lives in times of humanitarian emergencies brought on by natural disasters.

MAIN TEXT Understanding these dilemmas and seeking to resolve them, signatories agree to the International Humanitarian Progression Pact (IHPP). IHPP encompasses a two-part pledge. The first section establishes procedures to be taken immediately after impact of the disaster. The second section establishes procedures to be taken after evacuees have arrived at an evacuation center. Both sections will require the use of an international symbol for emergency efforts to alleviate the problems of literacy and language barriers as states communicate disaster preparedness plans and execute operations. The symbol will appear as a red exclamation point within a white rectangular box.

Section I: Procedures for Immediate Transportation and Evacuation Centers All signatories agree to place the designated symbol upon and inside of preexisting structures such as sports centers, schools, or religious buildings to mark them specifically as natural disaster shelters. Chosen structures should be large enough to provide all basic needs of people for at least 72 hours following a disaster. In addition, states agree to designate buses and other appropriate transport vehicles, such as boats or trains, which will have this symbol affixed, to indicate their role as free emergency transportation for all residents to the shelters. States decide which structures and transportation measures to choose based on their national needs and situations. Signatories also agree to create and launch public information campaigns via the media appropriate to that state and via schools to educate the population about the purpose of this symbol. Widespread, immediate recognition of the symbol can decrease the number of displaced persons in local areas and increase the safety of individuals in disaster shelters. Funding As states are repurposing existing structures and transport mechanisms, no new funding is needed. Signatories agree to pay the costs for creating and posting the symbol. Section II: Procedures for Dual-Purpose Centers Signatories agree that evacuation centers will be dual-purpose centers used to categorize refugees to determine their status as short-term or long-term refugees. Volunteers from each state (legal aid, healthcare workers, police, social workers) will be designated prior to disasters and given IDs, uniforms with the symbol, and their job objectives, including: assisting in the process of organizing refugees by type (i.e. short-term or long-term), assisting with means of identification, helping to distribute aid and/or medical care, maintaining security, providing legal assistance, and coordinating resettlement. Signatories pledge to develop procedures to cooperate with international organizations relevant to the distribution of humanitarian aid so that systems do not have to be created in the midst of the disasters aftermath. They also pledge to cooperate with international efforts made by organizations such as the World Food Programme, the Food and Agriculture Organization, UNICEF, and the World Health Organization in the collection and distribution of

humanitarian aid. Signatories will voluntarily report information and refugee data to the United Nations as well as pre-approved parameters of operations for non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Signatories agree to petition the UN to create and administer a database to serve as an information gateway to all UN organizations and affiliated NGOs that a state agrees may be involved in disaster relief in that state. This database can be used by states to organize refugees, manage distribution of aid, and communicate between relevant agencies. Funding The IHPP: Section II will be funded through contributions of the signatories based on percentages of each state's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and each state's World Bank ranking: i. lower income countries will contribute .00000001% ii. lower and upper middle-income countries:.0000001% iii. high-income countries:.000001% The funds provided will be used for the creation, implementation and maintenance of the database within the United Nations system. They will not be pooled to form an international fund. States are responsible for the repurposing of existing infrastructures, signage and campaigns via appropriate media to educate the population about the symbols meaning and usage. Conclusion To properly address a natural disaster, states and their residents must be prepared to face the complications of evacuation. Together, through the International Humanitarian Progression Pact, the international community can address the problems related to evacuation procedures and relief efforts in the aftermath of a natural disaster. By signing onto the IHPP, states can improve efficiency and preparedness when it comes to humanitarian aid and relief to reach the universal goal of ensuring the safety of citizens and minimizing the negative economic impacts of natural disasters.