Session 1.1.3: International standards and humanitarian principles
Learning objectives
At the end of this session, participants will be able to:

Describe the content and practical application of key humanitarian standards and
principles, in particular Sphere and The Code of Conduct
Timing and methods
Method
1. Introduction
2. Plenary discussion
3. Video and group work in
3’s
4. Plenary discussion
5. Wrap up
Total
Content
Core Humanitarian Competencies Framework
Humanitarian Imperative and other standards
Watch Sphere film, complete and review the quiz.
Time
5
15
40
Challenges and practical examples of implementing
standards
Key messages
25
5
90
Resources needed
Files




Introduction to Sphere film
PowerPoints
Attachment 1 – background on
Code of Conduct and
Humanitarian Charter
Attachment 2 – Sphere Core
Standards
Equipment and supplies
 Copies of Sphere Project Handbook
2011
Preparation
 Check the equipment for playing the video clip, with sound
 Prepare examples of Sphere being used locally
Key messages
 International standards and principles aim to guide good humanitarian practice, and
include The Code of Conduct1 and the Sphere Project2.
 All humanitarian workers should be aware of these standards and principles, and the
implications for the context and way they work.
1
Principles of Conduct for the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and NGOs in Disaster Response
Programmes
2
The Sphere Project Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Humanitarian Response
Session 1.1.3 International standards and humanitarian principles
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Instructions
_________________________________________________________________________
Activity 1: Introduction
5 mins
Introduction to
the session
2 mins
Competency
framework
3 mins
Show slide #1 – what the session is about
Show slide #2 – the learning objectives
Ask them to read the relevant element of the competencies framework.
Applying humanitarian standards / principles:

Ensure that programme goals and activities uphold the principles of
the key national and international humanitarian frameworks, codes
and commitments under which humanitarian organisations operate
Demonstrate understanding of your role and that of your
organisation and others within the humanitarian system

Reinforce the importance of Accountability and creating a consistent,
high standard of behaviour across agencies in a humanitarian response.
Activity 2: Humanitarian guiding principles and standards
15 mins
Humanitarian
Show slide #3 – The Humanitarian Imperative which underpins all
Imperative
humanitarian response, and is the first principle in the Code of Conduct.
5 mins
The Sphere Project Humanitarian Charter in addition spells out three
overarching principles:
Other key
principles,
standards and
codes
10 mins
Right to life with dignity
Right to receive humanitarian assistance
Right to protection and security
Ask participants: What other humanitarian principles, standards and
codes can you name?
(flipchart responses then see page x of Workbook)
Ensure participants are aware of the following:
The Sphere Core Standards are linked to other key accountability
initiatives, reinforcing a shared commitment to accountability. For
example (list in workbook):
-
-
There is complementarity between Humanitarian
Accountability Partnership (HAP) 2010 Standard in
Accountability and Quality Management and the Core
Standards
The ‘Aid Worker Performance’ standard (6) is in line with People
in Aid’s Code of Good Practice
Core Standards 1 (People-centred humanitarian response) and 5
Session 1.1.3 International standards and humanitarian principles
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(Performance, transparency and learning) are particularly
aligned with:
o The Good Enough Guide of the Emergency Capacity
Building (ECB) Project
o Groupe URD’s Quality Compas, and
o Active Learning Network for Accountability and Performance
in Humanitarian Action (ALNAP)
- INEE Minimum Standards for Education, Preparedness,
Response, Recovery are ‘a companion to’ and complement the
Sphere Standards.
It is also very important to be aware of national and local standards
and codes, and to link these with international standards, rather than
imposing international standards.
Activity 3: The Sphere Project – video and quiz
40 mins
Video
10 mins
Show the Sphere Project 2011 film.
Some participants may have watched the films as pre-work.
Sphere
Handbook Quiz
15 mins
Review of quiz
15 mins
Ask who has already used it or is familiar with it.
If time is tight, and participants have viewed the film and already know
Sphere, you do not need to show the film.
Divide into groups of three.
Ask them to refer to page 13-14 in their workbook with multiple choice
questions.
Introduce the quiz – the purpose is to familiarise themselves with the
Sphere Handbook.
Ensure all groups have access to a copy of Sphere Project Handbook.
Group task - write or ring which answer they think is the right one.
Ask each group to mark their own answers:
Call out answers:
1. Aim of the Sphere Standards is to improve the quality of
humanitarian response in situations of disaster and conflict, and
to enhance the accountability of the humanitarian system to
disaster-affected people. (p. 4)
2. C - p. 21
3. D – it is the legal responsibilities of states and parties to
guarantee the right to assistance and protection. When states
are unable to respond, they are obliged to allow interventions of
humanitarian organisations.
4. D – Child Protection (page V)
5. A – p.29
6. C – p.89
7. B. – p. 124 A & C are Key indicators and D is a Guidance Note
8. D - p.14
Session 1.1.3 International standards and humanitarian principles
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Introduction to
Sphere
9. C – p. 264
If participants are unfamiliar with Sphere 2011, show slides # 4 to 7 to
summarise the structure, rather than Activity 4
Activity 4: Implementing standards – challenges and practical examples
25 mins
Challenges –
plenary
discussion
10 mins
Ask questions and draw out actual examples:
What challenges do you see in applying these principles in your context
or for the people in the film shown earlier?
Limitations of the Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards:
Political and security factors outside the control of the
humanitarian agencies
• The extent to which the agencies have access to the affected
population
• The availability of sufficient financial, human and material
resources
• The cooperation of the authorities in charge, and whether the
people can operate in conditions of reasonable security
•
Practical
examples plenary
discussion
15 mins
Ask participants – How can (or has) Sphere support(ed) your work?
Give practical, local examples of how Sphere is being used.
Ask participants to bring to Workshop 2 their own practical, local
examples of how Sphere is being used, and of where national
standards have been used alongside or instead of Sphere standards.
Activity 5: Wrap up
5 mins
Plenary
5 mins
Summarise key messages.
 International standards and principles aim to guide good
humanitarian practice, and include the Code of Conduct3 and the
Sphere Standards4
 All humanitarian workers need to be aware of these standards
and principles, and the implications for the context and way in
which they work
Show slide #4: Good humanitarian practice
• Prevents or relieves human suffering
• Is provided proportional to need
• Is impartial and independent
• Respects the diversity, rights and dignity of others
• Is accountable to supporters and beneficiaries
• Is flexible and appropriate to context
3
Principles of Conduct for the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and NGOs in Disaster Response
Programmes
4
The Sphere Project Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Humanitarian Response
Session 1.1.3 International standards and humanitarian principles
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•
•
•
Facilitates participation of affected groups
Strives to reduce future vulnerability
Promotes self-reliance and local response capacity
Attachments
Attachment 1 – Background to Code of Conduct and Humanitarian Charter
The Code of Conduct for the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and
NGOs in Disaster Relief (often referred to as the Red Cross Code of Conduct) was drawn up
in 1994 by seven of the largest humanitarian agencies. It uses humanitarian principles as the
basis for specifying how humanitarian work should be undertaken. More than 400
organisations and agencies have agreed to abide by the code as well as Human Rights Law
and International Humanitarian Law.
In addition, in the Humanitarian Charter of the Sphere Project, 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.
‘People affected by emergencies deserve aid that... is relevant, good quality, and well
managed... is accountable, with mechanisms to challenge failure and abuse; builds durable
solutions; and is sufficiently resourced’ (Oxfam, The Right to Survive 2009).
____________________________________________________________
Attachment 2 - Sphere Core Standards
The Sphere Core Standards are applicable to all aspects of response.
These comprise the ‘process’ and ‘people’ standards relevant to the planning and
implementation phases of humanitarian response in all technical sectors.
1. People-centred humanitarian response
How are you ensuring balanced representation of community and other stakeholders?
With whom and how are decisions made and information shared, and what means of
communication and redress exist for community concerns or complaints?
2. Coordination and collaboration
What information are you sharing and how are you contributing to coordination
mechanisms and measures? What are the opportunities for collaborative action?
3. Assessment
How are you determining the extent of existing capacity and coping strategies?
How, and with or from whom, can you most effectively establish a reliable assessment of
the evolving emergency situation and changing needs?
4. Design and response
How are you prioritising the most urgent needs, risks, vulnerabilities that cannot be
addressed by the State or the affected population? Are your plans equitable and
impartial?
Session 1.1.3 International standards and humanitarian principles
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5. Performance, transparency and learning
How are you monitoring the performance, effectiveness and results of your programmes?
How is accountability being assured and programme changes made as needed? How is
learning being captured, shared and applied for the future?
6. Aid worker performance
How are staff with appropriate competencies being recruited and managed? What
personal and professional support is provided and how is performance assured?
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