The
launch of the new Arabic version of the Sphere Handbook: a mobilising
and progressive event
On May 6, 2005 the launch of
the Arabic version of the Sphere Handbook 2004 was held at the Hotel
Grand Villa in Khartoum, with a similar event held in Nyala on 8 May,
2005. The event was coordinated by the Norwegian Church Aid, with
support from the American Refugee Committee International, Mercy Corps
and World Vision.
Together, there
numbered about 100 participants from both national and international
NGOs, the United Nations and from the Sudanese Government. The purpose
of the event was to advertise the publication of the new translation
of the 2004 Sphere Handbook in Arabic, as well as more specifically
to promote the Handbook as a tool to assist humanitarian agencies
in improving the quality and accountability of humanitarian aid.
Mr. Thor-Arne
Prois, Resident Representative from NCA Sudan talking to the audience
At the foreground, the General Commissioner of Humanitarian Aid Commission,
Government of Sudan, Mr. Hassabo Mohamed Abd Elrahman
The tempo for the
day was set with presentations alternating between theory and practical
examples of the application of Sphere. Mr. Thor-Arne, a former member
of the Sphere Management Committee (which became The Sphere Board)
opened the event with a general introduction to the Sphere project,
its guiding principles particularly the Humanitarian Charter, and
the changes made in the new revised version.
Then, Mr. Basheer Mukhtar, a
water engineer with the ARC elucidated his experience of using the
Handbook in the field. This was followed by a speech from Mr. Hassabo
Abd El Rahman, Commission Representative for Humanitarian Aid of
the Sudanese Government and an address by the UN Deputy Humanitarian
Coordinator.
At the background, Mr. Thor-Arne
Prois, HAC and UN representative; Mercy Corps Representative
All the speakers emphasised the
usefulness of Sphere as a tool and particularly its uniqueness as
a joint venture between an impressive number of both large and small
humanitarian organisations and networks.
However, a note of caution was voiced regarding
the possible difficulties in ensuring all of the indicators. To
exemplify this, water, a resource scarce in many parts of Sudan
was drawn on as a case. Mr. Hassabo Abd El Rahman stressed the importance
of discussing the application of Sphere in the Sudanese context
and invited forth further discussion.
After a short break for refreshments the programme
continued with a screening of the new 45 minute Sphere DVD/video.
Of the 100 copies of the handbook in Arabic available for the launch,
all were sold.
As a follow-up to the key points underlined
by the various speakers, two issues are now under discussion.
1. Further discussions on Sphere and its use in the Sudanese context;
and
2. Arrangement of Sphere trainings for national staff.
