Left in the dark: the unmet need for information in humanitarian responses

This policy briefing considers people’s information needs during humanitarian crises. It illustrates the critical need to mainstream information and communication both across disaster relief and disaster risk reduction and preparedness strategies. The first part lays out the evidence to date that information is regarded by affected populations as a critical issue, and looks how they identify information needs. The second part explores how little demands are being met, why this is and what structures, systems and skills are missing. The third part suggests some clear steps that can be taken to resolve these issues.