A Humanitarian Logistics Case Study for the Intermediary Phase Accommodation Center for Refugees and Other Humanitarian Disaster Victims

Sofia Papadaki (), Georgios Banias, Charisios Achillas, Dimitris Aidonis, Dimitris Folinas, Dionysis Bochtis and Stamatis Papangelou
Additional contact information
Sofia Papadaki: International Hellenic University, School of Economics, Business Administration and Legal Studies
Georgios Banias: International Hellenic University, School of Economics, Business Administration and Legal Studies
Charisios Achillas: International Hellenic University, School of Economics, Business Administration and Legal Studies
Dimitris Aidonis: Technological Educational Institute of Central Macedonia, Branch of Katerini
Dimitris Folinas: Technological Educational Institute of Central Macedonia, Branch of Katerini
Dionysis Bochtis: Centre for Research and Technology – Hellas, Institute for Bio-economy and Agri-technology
Stamatis Papangelou: University of Macedonia, School of Economics

A chapter in Dynamics of Disasters, 2018, pp 157-202 from Springer

Abstract: Abstract The growing and uncontrollable stream of refugees from Middle East and North Africa has created considerable pressure to governments and societies all over Europe. To establish the theoretical framework, the concept of humanitarian logistics is briefly examined in this paper. Historical data from the nineteenth century onwards illuminates the fact that this influx is not a novelty in the European continent and the interpretation of statistical data highlights the characteristics and particularities of the current refugee wave, as well as the possible repercussions these could inflict both to hosting societies and to displaced populations. Finally, a review of European and national legislation and policies shows that measures taken so far are disjointed and that no complete but at the same time fair and humanitarian management strategy exists. Within this context, the paper elaborates on the development of a compact accommodation center made of shipping containers, to function as one of the initial stages in adaptation before full social integration of the displaced populations. It aims at maximizing the respect for human rights and values while minimizing the impact on society and on the environment. Some of the humanitarian and ecological issues discussed are: integration of medical, educational, religious and social functions within the unit, optimal land utilization, renewable energy use, and waste management infrastructures. Creating added value for the “raw” material (shipping containers) and prolonging the unit’s life span by enabling transformation and change of use, transportation and reuse, and finally end-of-life dismantlement and recycling also lie within the scope of the project. The overall goal is not only to address the current needs stemming from the refugee crisis, but also to develop a project versatile enough to be adapted for implementation on further social groups in need of support. The paper’s results could serve as a useful tool for governments and organizations to better plan ahead and respond fast and efficiently not only in regard to the present humanitarian emergency, but also in any possible similar major disaster situation, including the potential consequences of climate change.

Keywords: Refugees; Humanitarian crisis; Shelter; Integration (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

There are no downloads for this item, see the EconPapers FAQ for hints about obtaining it.

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:spr:spochp:978-3-319-97442-2_8

Ordering information: This item can be ordered from
http://www.springer.com/9783319974422

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-97442-2_8

Access Statistics for this chapter

More chapters in Springer Optimization and Its Applications from Springer
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Sonal Shukla () and Springer Nature Abstracting and Indexing ().