Oxfam GB is not responsible, however, for providing the land for new latrines. This responsibility lies with the camp management agency, and with the National Commission for Rehabilitation, Reconstruction, and Reintegration (NCRRR), the government body through which the camp management agency negotiates land access. Oxfam GB was in the difficult position of having to provide latrines for a needy population but without being able to access the land to do so.

How Sphere was used

Oxfam GB has used the Sphere handbook as a lobbying tool in its advocacy with the camp management agency and the NCRRR, both of whom recognise the objectivity of the latrine standards and the handbook's wider legitimacy. As a result, Oxfam GB has been able to demonstrate that it cannot meet its obligation to the IDP population unless NCRRR and the camp management agency fulfil their responsibility to provide adequate land for latrine facilities.

The Sphere handbook acknowledges that it is not always immediately possible to provide one toilet per 20 people or family. This has been Oxfam GB's experience in Sierra Leone, where despite considerable advocacy efforts, land access continues to be problematic and the number of latrines provided is below the minimum required. However, Oxfam GB has been able to meet needs appropriate to the context, ensuring, that 'sufficient numbers of toilets are available and that every person can identify and gain access to a toilet when necessary.' (Sphere handbook p. 39).

The Sphere handbook provides agencies with an important tool to advocate on behalf of the beneficiaries. Although this is likely to be a process that takes time and persistence, the Sphere minimum standards provide an objective yardstick that can be used by all agencies.

Contact: Erik Johnson. Email: This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it Or Wael Ibrahim. Email: This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it