Dealing with the military - a double edged sword for NGOs

This is an independent environment free from military or political influence. It is essential to ensure longer-term aid is possible in genuine partnership with Iraqi communities.

It may be difficult for agencies like World Vision to build relationships with the community if we are seen to be linked to the military.

The UN is the most appropriate organization to oversee humanitarian work in Iraq. They have more than 50 years experience in providing assistance in post-conflict environments such as Rwanda, Bosnia, East Timor and Afghanistan.

They have first-hand knowledge of how to cope with complex humanitarian emergencies such as this. Specialised organisations within the UN can focus on the differing needs of children and refugees. They have the infrastructure and relationships to deliver food safely, quickly and fairly. This is experience that can not be mimicked or replaced.

Just as important as their experience though is the UN's neutrality. They provide a multilateral framework for humanitarian assistance, genuinely independent from the aims of any government, religious or political influence. This is also essential for humanitarian relief to be effective.

The military have done what the set out to do. We now need to get on with ours.