Part of the role of the UPU is to help to maintain postal communication when a catastrophe occurs. In recent years, the Posts of many countries hit by disasters have received funding and emergency assistance to restore postal services quickly. UPU regional coordinators are often mobilized to assess the damage to a country’s postal infrastructure and determine how to re-establish services. Relief efforts are closely coordinated with regional postal organizations and United Nations aid agencies on the ground.
The UPU has established the Emergency and Solidarity Fund, which provides emergency assistance to revive postal activities in affected areas. Immediate emergency assistance shall be provided through the regular UPU budget, enabling a rapid initial response to support postal recovery. Should the needs of the affected country exceed the resources available within the regular budget, an appeal for voluntary contributions shall be launched among member countries to help bridge the funding gap. Member countries often generously contribute expertise, money and equipment, or donate financial credits from their Quality of Service Fund resources for specific projects.
