Any war-like situation or natural disaster is followed by chaos. People lose loved ones, homes and belongings. Many are injured and displaced. The Government or governing body responsible might have collapsed. Violence and looting are common phenomena. People are traumatized.

Governments have the responsibility to foresee possible scenarios that can occur to its citizens, whether on its own or foreign territory. Contingency plans, training of national crisis management experts, as well as effective structures to cater for displaced or returning victims must be in place.

International security and peacekeeping organisations are faced with threats like uncontrollable violence, natural disasters, coups, crime etc. A well-functioning Early Warning System with clear indicators and rapidly deployable mediators could help avert the crisis.

All contingency plans have to contain clear command and control structures, including a direct line of communication between headquarters and the field. Adequate resources must be committed.

Jennifer Schmidt has personal and professional experience from various crisis situations in the world. Much suffering can be avoided with adequate planning and effective crisis management procedures. Jennifer Schmidt Consulting can help develop and reinforce such plans and procedures.

"It is even better to act quickly and err than to hesitate until the time of action is past.”

Karl von Clausewitz