Change in the timing of the next revision process for the Sphere 2004 handbook
Monday, 05 March 2007
You may have heard that the next revision of the Sphere handbook was scheduled for 2008. However, at the last meeting of the Sphere Board (25-6 January 2007), the rationale for a revision process next year was discussed. The Sphere Board believes it does not currently have sufficient understanding of the demand for a revision of the existing Sphere Handbook Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Disaster Response (2004 edition). In addition, a number of new translations and low-cost editions of the handbook have just been launched, or are about to be. More time should be allowed for them to be used.
It was therefore agreed to delay the revision process planned for 2008, and to carry out an initial, small consultation within Board member organizations and networks. Board members are asking their colleagues to respond to seven questions, listed below. Your answers to these questions would also be welcome. If you work for a Sphere Board member organisation, please send your answers to the Board member for your organisation (see for a list of Board member organisations). If you do not work for a Board member organisation, or are not sure who is your organisation’s Sphere Board representative, please send your answers to Hani Eskandar at the Sphere office:
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Responses to the questions must be received by the Sphere office by the end of March 2007. Based on the responses, the Sphere office will compile a concept note on the timing, content and process of the next revision of the handbook, to inform further discussion and decisions on these issues at the next Sphere Board meeting (1-2 May 2007).Responses to the questions must be received by the Sphere office . Based on the responses, the Sphere office will compile a concept note on the timing, content and process of the next revision of the handbook, to inform further discussion and decisions on these issues at the next Sphere Board meeting (1-2 May 2007).
It is important to highlight that the 2004 version of the Sphere handbook remains valid until the next revision process. That process will involve a consultation with as many Sphere users as possible. The responses to the seven questions currently being posed will provide a starting point in deciding when and how the next revision should take place.
In relation to possible new elements in a revised handbook, the Board’s current thinking is that the emphasis of Sphere remains “on meeting the urgent survival needs of people affected by disaster, while asserting their basic human right to life with dignity” (page 6, Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Disaster Response, 2004 edition). Within this focus, Sphere needs to take account of constantly changing humanitarian contexts. This initial consultation will guide decisions on possible new elements to be included in, or associated with, the Sphere handbook.
Many thanks for your continued interest in Sphere.
Sphere office
Questions for an initial consultation on the next revision of the Sphere handbook:
In your responses to the questions below, please be specific, and, if possible, provide evidence-based background or references to your suggestion.
Timing of the next revision process
Do you think the Sphere Handbook (Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Disaster Response, 2004 edition) needs updating now?
If yes, which specific sections need revising, and for what reason/s?
If you don’t think the handbook needs revising now, when do you think the next revision process should take place? Please specify in 2, 3 or 5 years.
Content of the Sphere handbook
Whether you think the handbook should be revised now or later, which sections of the current handbook do you find most useful? Which least useful? And why?
Until now the guiding principle for the Sphere Board has been that sectors included in Sphere should be focused on ‘meeting the urgent survival needs of people affected by disaster’ (see above). On this basis, which new elements should be included in a future revision?
Size and format of the Sphere handbook
What size should a new version be, and in what format? (the current version in English is 344 pages in A5 format, including a searchable CD Rom)
General
Please add any additional suggestions for the Sphere Board.
Many thanks for your time.
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