On World Radio Day 2016, the Emergency Telecommunications Cluster (ETC) celebrates radio technology as a vital means of security communications and essential source of information in humanitarian emergencies.

“In times of crisis and emergency, radio can be a lifeline,” said the United Nations Secretary-General in his World Radio Day message. “For people in shattered societies, or caught in catastrophe, or desperately seeking news, radio brings lifesaving information.

Radio can help in emergency response operations – and it can assist with rebuilding.”

Security Communications for Humanitarians

Security communications – radio - is a standard service provided by the ETC in emergencies to ensure humanitarian responders have an effective and secure means of communication. Within the first week of an operation, the ETC sets up basic coverage around the main area where most humanitarians are responding. The network is then expanded in the weeks following according to requirements.

Most recently, the ETC and its partners expanded the emergency communications system in south-eastern Turkey to support the safety and security of humanitarians supporting the Syria crisis. To ensure sustainability of services, and build telecommunications skills of national humanitarian personnel, the ETC regularly delivers training on HF, VHF and UHF radio communications to radio operators and relief workers. 

Services to Affected Populations

Radio is similarly critical for disaster-affected populations. After the Nepal Earthquake infrastructure of national broadcasting stations was heavily damaged. People affected by the quake reported feeling shut-off from news relevant to their regions, districts and communities. To bridge this gap, the ETC extended its services to local broadcasters who were then able to deliver essential messages to communities coping with the disaster.

The ETC is working with humanitarian, private sector and government organisations to ensure that all those responding to emergencies, included affected communities, have access to vital communications services.

Radio in Times of Emergency and Disaster

The topic of 2016 World Radio Day is “Radio in Times of Emergency and Disaster” with five main themes:

1. Freedom of expression and journalists’ safety should be disaster-proof.
2. Radio empowers survivors and vulnerable people, whose right to privacy is to be respected.
3. Radio has social impact and provides access to information. People’s right to information should be protected even in times of emergency and disaster.
4. Radio saves lives.        
5. The immediate accessibility of radio frequencies is essential to saving lives. These frequencies should be protected so they are available in times of emergency.

From amateur radio operators, to emergency radio stations, radio is the mass media reaching the widest audience in the world and a life-saving communication tool. #RadioSavesLives