Panel details

Panel organiser(s) will be presenting	In-Person / Online
Number of paper presentations	5

Abstract

Humanitarian standards, grouped under the Humanitarian Standards Partnership (HSP)*, are based on core humanitarian principles of humanity, impartiality, independence and neutrality, in accordance with international humanitarian law and underpin humanitarian responses. However the challenges of pursuing principled humanitarian engagement in difficult political and security environments are increasing.
Humanitarian standards offer a levelling and needs-based approach to effectively implementing responses in highly politicised contexts affected by disasters or conflict. In such situations the question of “who gets what” can be contentious. What is the role of humanitarian standards in these situations? Can they bring a neutral and impartial perspective to inherently political dilemmas and decisions? Can they build safeguards to strengthen impartiality? How should we interpret humanitarian principles in situations where standards are used in politicised contexts?
This panel organised by Sphere on behalf of the HSP, a group of eight standards initiatives and organisations, seeks contributions on these issues from practitioners, local organisations or disaster management authorities working with standards.
* The Humanitarian Standards Partnership includes the following initiatives : ADCAP (inclusion for older people and people with disabilities), CaLP (market analysis); CCCM Cluster (camp management) Child Protection Alliance; CHS Alliance (Core Humanitarian Standard); INEE (education); LEGS (livestock); SEEP Network (Economic recovery); and Sphere (Core Humanitarian standard, WASH, Nutrition, Food security, Shelter, Health).

Paper presentations