These common standards relate to each of the chapters in this handbook and are integral to all of them. By implementing the standards described here, agencies will support the realisation of the standards outlined in the technical chapters.

Links to international legal instruments

Everyone has the right to life with dignity and respect for their human rights. Humanitarian agencies have the responsibility to provide assistance in a manner that is consistent with human rights, including the right to participation, non-discrimination and information, as reflected in the body of international human rights, humanitarian and refugee law. In the Humanitarian Charter and the Code of Conduct for the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in Disaster Relief, humanitarian agencies undertake to make themselves accountable to those they seek to assist. The common standards outline the responsibilities of organisations and individuals when providing protection and assistance.

The importance of the standards common to all sectors

Programmes that meet the needs of disaster-affected populations must be based on a clear understanding of the context. Initial assessments will analyse the nature of the disaster and its effect on a population. The affected people's capacities and available resources should be identified at the same time as assessing their needs and vulnerabilities and any gaps in essential services. No single sector can be considered in isolation from the others, or in isolation from economics, religious and traditional beliefs, social practices, political and security factors, coping mechanisms or anticipated future developments. Analysis of the causes and effects of the disaster is critical. If the problem is not correctly identified and understood then it will be difficult, if not impossible, to respond appropriately.

Response depends on a number of factors, including an organisation's capacity, area(s) of expertise, budget constraints, familiarity with the region or situation and security risks for staff. The response standards detailed here are designed to clarify 'who does what when'. Once an appropriate response has been determined, targeting mechanisms should be established that enable agencies to provide assistance impartially and without discrimination, according to need.

Monitoring systems should be established early in the process to continuously measure progress against objectives and to check on the continuing relevance of the programme within an evolving context. An evaluation, which may be carried out during or at the end of the response, determines the overall effectiveness of the programme and identifies lessons that may improve similar programmes in future.

The quality of humanitarian assistance will depend on the skills, abilities, knowledge and commitment of staff and volunteers working in difficult and sometimes insecure conditions. Sound management and supervision are key elements of an assistance programme and, along with capacity building, can help to ensure that minimum standards of humanitarian assistance are respected. Given the importance of gender and other cross-cutting issues, diversity in human resources should be taken into account when building a team.

The participation of disaster-affected people - including the vulnerable groups outlined below - in the assessment, development, implementation and monitoring of responses should be maximised to ensure the appropriateness and quality of any disaster response. Systematic sharing of knowledge and information among all those involved in the response is fundamental to achieving a common understanding of problems and effective coordination among agencies.

Links to other chapters

It is critical that this chapter be read first, before turning to the relevant technical sector.

Vulnerabilities and capacities of disaster-affected populations

The groups most frequently at risk in disasters are women, children, older people, disabled people and people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH/A). In certain contexts, people may also become vulnerable by reason of ethnic origin, religious or political affiliation, or displacement. This is not an exhaustive list, but it includes those most frequently identified. Specific vulnerabilities influence people's ability to cope and survive in a disaster, and those most at risk should be identified in each context.

Throughout the handbook, the term 'vulnerable groups' refers to all these groups. When any one group is at risk, it is likely that others will also be threatened. Therefore, whenever vulnerable groups are mentioned, users are strongly urged to consider all those listed here. Special care must be taken to protect and provide for all affected groups in a non-discriminatory manner and according to their specific needs. However, it should also be remembered that disaster-affected populations possess, and acquire, skills and capacities of their own to cope, and that these should be recognised and supported.