1. AN INTRODUCTION TO SPHERE AND THE EMERGENCY CONTEXT
SESSION 16

2. Objectives By the end of the lesson, the learner should
Have a basic understanding of Sphere
Be able to define the fundamental principles of the Humanitarian Charter
Distinguish Minimum standards from key indicators and guidance notes.

3. Humanitarian Challenges Today
The ever-increasing complexity of disaster response
An increasing number of disasters
An increasing number of humanitarian actors that define success in different ways, depending on who they are accountable to.

4. What is Sphere Project
The Sphere Project was created in response to this need for change - as an open and collaborative initiative to improve the quality and accountability of disaster response.
It was conceived with the aim of promoting humanitarian action in an effective and accountable way.

5. The Sphere Project can be viewed as a process that has:
Argued for the universal right of all disaster-affected people to humanitarian assistance
Achieved NGO agreement on core principles and actions
Collected minimum programming standards for disasters from past lessons and experience
Achieved consensus on technical standards and indicators

6. The Sphere Consultation Process
1997: Initial consultation among 4000 people
2000: Sphere handbook launched.
2004: Revised edition of Sphere handbook launched
To-date, 80 countries and 400 organizations have signed up.

7. Outputs of The Sphere Project
Sphere handbook is the main output. It outlines
The universal right of all disaster affected people to humanitarian assistance
Minimum programming standards and key indicators for disasters
NGO agreement on core principles and actions
Quality of and accountability in humanitarian work

8. The Sphere Handbook Comprises of
The Humanitarian chapter
The Common Standards to all sectors
The Technical Chapters. All these constitute
Minimum Standards
Key Indicators
Guidance notes

9. Why is the Sphere Handbook Needed
NGO concern with quality and accountability
Historic practice is no longer sufficient i.e.
Increasing complexity of disasters
Numbers of disasters increasing
Changing nature of humanitarian community and increasing diversity
Increasing number of actors with different measures of success
Post-Rwanda 1994
Multi-donor evaluation ‘Unnecessary deaths’

10. The Humanitarian Charter:
Provides some critical reflection on the common values and principles of the humanitarian community
Contains a commitment to promote the observance of fundamental humanitarian principles and an appreciation of the ethical obligations of humanitarians and their organizations. This reflects
A belief in the principle of humanity
The primacy of the humanitarian imperative
The idea that our actions should be governed by that imperative

11. The Humanitarian Charter also
Clarifies roles and responsibilities of various actors as described in international law: e.g.
Outlines commitment to achieving defined levels through the minimum standards based on the right to life with dignity
Acknowledges that the fundamental accountability of humanitarian actors is to those people we seek to assist.

12. The HC Fundamental Principles
Right to life with Dignity - based on the international Human Rights Law
The distinction between combatants and non-combatants - based on the Geneva Conventions
The Principle of non-refoulement – based on the international refugee law

13. Exercise
A brief review of the ‘The Humanitarian Charter’… handout

14. Humanitarian Charter - Conclusion
The humanitarian charter provides the framework to convert the appreciation of
rights into action – and hence
Minimum standards:
Key indicators
Guidance notes

15. The Common Standards This chapter follows the ‘HC’ in the handbook
These are Eight core ‘process and people’ standards that are relevant to each of the technical chapters that follow
These standards outline common processes, such as assessments, response, targeting, monitoring and evaluation. There are also standards for working with people, including participation and aid worker competencies.

16. Common Standard 1&2
The disaster affected population participated in the assessment, design, implementation, monitoring & evaluation of the assistance program
Assessments provide an understanding of the disaster situation & a clear analysis of threats to life, dignity, health & livelihoods to determine, in consultation with the relevant authorities, whether an external response is required and if so, the nature of the response.

17. Common Standard 7&8
No.7. Aid workers possess appropriate qualifications, attitudes and experience to plan and implement appropriate effective programmes
No. 8. Aid workers receive supervision and support to ensure effective implementation of humanitarian assistance programme.

18. Exercise on common Stds.
Review 2 key indicators under common standard No. 8 i.e. page 41

19. The Technical Chapters
There is general consensus that the following 4 Sectors are most crucial for the survival of disaster affected victims
Water supply, sanitation and hygiene promotion
Food security, nutrition and food aid
Shelter, settlement and non-food items
Health services

20. Technical chapters Cont.
In each technical chapter, tools are provided in the form of
Minimum Standards and
Key Indicators.

21. Minimum Stds & Key Indicators
Minimum Standards are universal goals that represent some of the components of a life with dignity
Key indicators help agencies measure whether or not a standard is being met in practical, observable ways. There are various types of indicator in the handbook, primarily qualitative and quantitative.

22. Indicators
Indicators are tools used to measure: Outputs, outcomes& impacts of our programs and the processes used
Using measurable indicators to quantify and qualify results is a key element in determining what has been achieved in a disaster response operation.
Indicators:
Facilitate program design
Help to establish a clear record of the logic behind a program
Provide a means of measuring quality
Present opportunities for collaborative and transparent projects

23. Guidance Notes
These are specific points to consider when applying the standards & indicators in diff. situations, guidance on tackling practical difficulties, and advice on priority issues.
They may also include critical issues relating to the standards or indicators, and describe dilemmas, controversies or gaps in current knowledge.

24. Exercise
Review the handouts on ‘Minimum Stds’ & Key indicators for Assessment & Analysis of Food security and Nutrition.

25. Application of Sphere
As a reference for every stage of the disaster response project cycle e.g. assessment ques, benchmarks etc.
As a technical reference tool
The technical rationale – since it avoids bias and inconsistencies in individual NGO guidelines
Opportunities to improve quality and performance
An advocacy tool – for resources

26. Objectives of the session
By the end of the lesson, the learner should
Have a basic understanding of Sphere Project (??)
Be able to define the fundamental principles of the Humanitarian Charter (??)
Distinguish Minimum standards from key indicators and guidance notes. (??)