Common standard 3: response
A humanitarian response is required in situations where the relevant authorities are unable and/or unwilling to respond to the protection and assistance needs of the population on the territory over which they have control, and when assessment and analysis indicate that these needs are unmet. |
Key indicators (to be read in conjunction with the guidance notes)
Programmes and projects are designed to support and protect the affected population and to promote their livelihoods, so that they meet or exceed the Sphere Minimum Standards, as illustrated by the key indicators (see guidance note 2).
There is effective coordination and exchange of information among those affected by or involved in the disaster response. Humanitarian agencies undertake activities on the basis of need, where their expertise and capacity can have the greatest impact within the overall assistance programme (see guidance note 3).
Guidance notes
1. Responding to actual need: humanitarian response must be organised to meet assessed needs. Care should be taken that superfluous items that could interfere with the delivery of essential items are not included in the delivery channels.
2. Meeting the Minimum Standards: response programmes and projects should be designed to close the gap between existing living conditions and the Sphere Minimum Standards. It is nevertheless important to make a distinction between the emergency needs and the chronic needs of an affected population. In many cases, humanitarian needs and the resources that would be required to bring a community, area, region or even country up to the Minimum Standards are far greater than the resources available. An agency cannot expect to bring this about single-handedly and communities, their neighbours, host governments, donors and other local and international organisations all have an important role to play. Coordination among those responding to a disaster situation is essential to address critical gaps.
3. Capacity and expertise: in situations where an organisation is highly specialised, or mandated to respond to particular needs (or groups), it should aim to provide the greatest humanitarian impact possible using its own resources and skills base. Even within the specific limits of an agency's expertise or mandate, however, it is likely that the overall humanitarian need will outstrip its organisational resources. Where the agency finds itself with excess capacity, it should make that capacity known to the wider humanitarian response community and contribute when and where necessary.
4. Making gaps known: while humanitarian agencies prefer to demonstrate programme successes and positive evaluations of ongoing initiatives to help fund future programmes, they must nevertheless be prepared to promptly acknowledge gaps in their capacity to meet basic needs.
5. Sharing information: organisations identifying critical needs should make them known to the wider community as quickly as possible, to enable those agencies with the most appropriate resources and capacity to respond. Wherever possible, recognised terminology, standards and procedures should be used to help others mobilise their responses more quickly and more effectively. The use of standard survey formats and associated guidelines, agreed among the host government and agencies at country level, can help significantly in this regard.
6. Maximising positive impact and limiting harm: conflict and competition for scarce resources often lead to increased insecurity, misuse or misappropriation of aid, inequitable distribution or diversion of aid. Understanding the nature and source of conflict helps to ensure that aid is distributed in an impartial way and reduces or avoids negative impact. In conflict-affected settings, an analysis of the actors, mechanisms, issues and context of the conflict should be carried out prior to programme planning.
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