When it was first conceived, it was acknowledged that the Project was ‘an initial step towards effectiveness and accountability’ — accountability to those affected by calamity or armed conflict, and also to those providing resources, financial or otherwise — while the Humanitarian Charter reaffirmed the primacy of the humanitarian imperative, reinforcing the right to life with dignity.

Ten years later, the Sphere Project continues to maintain these core principles, working together with other quality and accountability initiatives in the humanitarian sector. The passing of time has only reaffirmed the value of the process that led to the development of the Sphere Handbook — an extensive and broad-based consultation across the humanitarian community.

One challenge has remained constant throughout: how to keep the Humanitarian Charter and the Minimum Standards relevant. People engaged in the humanitarian sector tend to move on. Staff do not remain in position forever, and new personnel are always coming in. The Sphere Project has sought, however, to keep the message ‘on the table’ through its ongoing activities.

This report aims to provide a small insight into the first ten years of the Sphere Project - with reference to some of those who 'govern' the Project as well as to a number of examples of those who 'use' the Humanitarian Charter and the Minimum Standards, citing first-hand experiences and case studies. The diversity of the contexts and the people involved is fascinating.

And, having completed ten years, the Sphere Project looks forward to the next period of its life, which is likely to be as challenging and rewarding as those first ten years.