Oxfam asks UN to get inexperienced tsunami charities under control

AP says here

Leading British charity Oxfam said Wednesday too many organizations without adequate skills are working in areas hit by the Asian tsunami and called for the United Nations to accredit aid groups...

OCHA spokeswoman Elisabeth Byrs told The Associated Press it is common in many emergencies for small aid groups to turn up without notice, often complicating relief efforts. "We see many staff running to the place and we do our best to get these people on board."

Byrs said sometimes these groups do not have the necessary expertise and their efforts need to be coordinated with wider aid operations conducted by the United Nations and larger relief organizations.

Given the UN's own slow start in getting organized, it's not much wonder there are some loose cannons as well as some loose ends.