(English) The legal environment is an important determinant in creating a conducive environment for volunteers in any country. The past decade has seen an increase in legislation related to volunteering, in the form of either a frame- work law, or in amendments to laws and policies that affect or constrain volunteering.
While there has been substantial research on the legal issues that affect volunteers in general, there has been less focus on specific questions that may arise relating to volunteers in emergencies. These volunteers constitute a critical component of any response to disasters and emergencies, and given the difficult circumstances in which many operate, it is important to assess the legal protections afforded to them.
In light of this gap, the present study has as its focus the legal environment in regard to volunteers in emergencies. For the purposes of this study, the use of the term “emergencies” or “disasters” includes man-made and natural disasters, and excludes situations of conflict.