RedR: effective support in response to changing humanitarian needs

Case studies from 20 years of RedR's humanitarian experience are presented to demonstrate recent evolutions in technologies and management systems appropriate for the effective relief of suffering during and after major disasters. Trends identified include increasing urbanisation of humanitarian response, greater demand for professionalisation and for professional infrastructure services and roles for support organisations such as RedR in developing and promoting effective relief through resource development and learning support at all levels. RedR's 2,500 peer-reviewed members worldwide form a significant professional humanitarian expertise network that can assist in coordination of humanitarian response. Field training courses provide neutral venues for frank exchange of experiences, which must be regularly captured in publications such as Engineering in Emergencies.