TVE Asia Pacific's six guiding principles for post-tsunami activity

1. As a regional organisation, TVEAP will take a regional view of the post-disaster rebuilding efforts and will seek ways of being associated with rebuilding efforts in both South Asian and Southeast Asian countries affected. Particular attention will be paid to countries where national partners exist, namely: India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Thailand.
   
2. TVEAP will consult with national partners in the affected countries before deciding on appropriate interventions. Being based in Sri Lanka, it will also explore opportunities for greater involvement in the country of its geographical location. Any tangible activities that result will involve the Sri Lankan partner.
   
3. TVEAP will look for specific ways in which it can apply its audio-visual and development communications skills and experience in the rebuilding process. In particular, it will focus on the following areas:
   • building the capacity of media professionals to better cover disaster and post-disaster situations;
   • monitoring the role of national, regional and global media in covering the disaster and its aftermath;
   • using information and communications technologies (ICTs) in pre and post disaster communication;
   • using ICTs to ensure greater transparency and accountability in the optimum use of humanitarian aid; and
   • supporting the communications needs of civil society partners in motivating communities to rebuild and rehabilitate themselves.
     
4. TVEAP will leave the formidable tasks of emergency relief and infrastructure development to those better equipped to tackle them. If invited, TVEAP will offer communications inputs to larger development or rebuilding projects, deciding on a case by case basis.
   
5. TVEAP will be especially careful not to propose or pursue projects or activities that seek to benefit institutionally and financially from the large amounts of humanitarian aid being provided by governments, donors, corporations and individuals. In this regard, it will exercise caution and restraint not to give in to temptations common in the non-profit sector in post-disaster situations. TVEAP will also not operate any relief funds. (All those who offer donations are referred to our international partners Oxfam and our national partners Sarvodaya.)
   
6. TVEAP will not seek to commercially or organisationally exploit the disaster affected individuals, communities or countries. All communications activities to be undertaken by TVEAP in relation to the aftermath of the disaster will:
   • respect the human rights and communications rights of affected women, men and children;
   • be based on adequate and equitable consultations with partners and/or media professionals in the countries concerned;
   • use the advice, skills and expertise of competent television and video professionals based in the Asia Pacific; and
   • stay within the five main activity areas of TVEAP (see box).