WTO UN OCHA Boost Malis Customs Emergency Response

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is collaborating with the United Nations Humanitarian Response Division (UNHRD) on the C-RED project in Mali, aiming to enhance the country's customs clearance capabilities for relief goods. Through needs assessments, strengthened coordination, and the drafting of standard operating procedures (SOPs), Mali is expected to establish a more efficient system for clearing emergency supplies. This initiative will better equip the nation to respond to sudden-onset disasters and improve the flow of humanitarian aid.

  When disaster strikes, every second counts. The C-RED project represents a groundbreaking collaboration between international organizations to ensure life-saving aid reaches those in need without unnecessary delays at border crossings.
 

The Critical Role of Customs in Humanitarian Response

Natural disasters and public health emergencies create urgent needs for food, water, medical supplies, and shelter materials. While relief organizations often have supplies ready for deployment, bureaucratic hurdles at customs checkpoints can create dangerous delays. Customs authorities face the dual challenge of maintaining border security while facilitating the rapid movement of humanitarian goods.

This delicate balance requires specialized procedures that standard customs operations often lack. Without proper protocols, life-saving assistance can be delayed by days or weeks—time that vulnerable populations cannot afford to lose.

The C-RED Solution

To address this challenge, the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) launched the Customs Response to Epidemics and Disasters (C-RED) initiative. Funded by the Dutch government, this program focuses on strengthening customs capabilities in West African nations to ensure rapid clearance of emergency relief supplies.

C-RED operates through practical, country-specific interventions. National Support Missions form the core of the program, bringing together customs officials, government representatives, and humanitarian organizations to develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) tailored to each nation's needs and infrastructure.

Mali: A Case Study in Success

The program's first National Support Mission in Bamako, Mali demonstrated C-RED's potential. Over four days, experts from WCO and OCHA facilitated workshops with key stakeholders including Mali's Deputy Director General of Customs, representatives from various government ministries, and international relief organizations.

The mission achieved three critical objectives:

Assessed Mali's specific needs and challenges in processing humanitarian shipments
Improved coordination between different agencies involved in relief operations
Developed draft SOPs for receiving and clearing international emergency assistance

Operational Methodology

The Mali mission followed a comprehensive approach:

Interactive Workshops

Experts presented international best practices while facilitating discussions about local implementation challenges. Participants examined case studies and worked through practical scenarios to identify bottlenecks in current procedures.

Field Observations

Delegates visited Modibo Keita International Airport to observe cargo handling processes firsthand. This allowed participants to identify physical infrastructure limitations and procedural inefficiencies that might not be apparent in policy discussions.

Collaborative Drafting

Working groups used WCO templates to develop customized SOP components, which were then consolidated into a comprehensive national framework. The process ensured buy-in from all stakeholders while maintaining alignment with international standards.

Actionable Recommendations

The mission concluded with specific improvement proposals and implementation timelines, creating accountability for ongoing progress.

Broader Impacts

Beyond immediate operational improvements, C-RED delivers significant long-term benefits:

Enhanced Emergency Preparedness: Countries develop sustainable systems rather than ad-hoc solutions for each crisis
Economic Efficiency: Reduced clearance times lower costs for humanitarian organizations
Institutional Cooperation: Creates lasting partnerships between government agencies and relief providers
Regional Standardization: Promotes consistency across borders for multinational responses

Future Expansion

Following Mali's success, C-RED plans additional missions in West Africa and potentially other regions. A follow-up mission in Mali is scheduled within the next year to monitor implementation progress and make necessary adjustments.

The initiative represents more than technical assistance—it embodies a commitment to preserving human dignity during crises. By transforming customs procedures from potential bottlenecks into facilitators of relief, C-RED helps ensure that when disaster strikes, help arrives in time to make a difference.