CHS Alliance’s Post

Thanks to CHS Alliance to launch today the updated CORE HUMANITARIAN STANDARDS (CHS). I notice that they are stronger, meaningful and above all they put- more than before- PEOPLE AT THE CENTRE. My memories go back, at the launch of the previous standards in 2014, when I just started my work at CAFOD with Matthew Carter OBE, Christian Modino Hok, Neil Casey and saw the "birth" of the standards! #chs #chsalliance #accountability #quality #transparency #ngo #humanitarianaid #aidwork #internationaldevelopment #development #parternships #humanitarian #verification #accessible #accountability #compliance #MakeAidWork #CoreHumanitarianStandard #DemandAccountability

My take on the key messages from the newly revised #CoreHumanitarianStandards (CHS), addressing various stakeholders. 1. Humanitarian Organizations & NGOs: - Commitment to Quality & Accountability: Must integrate all the commitments into their operational frameworks to ensure services respect the rights & dignity of affected populations. - Systematic Application: Develop & maintain an environment that supports the CHS's systematic application across all levels & functions. - Continuous Improvement: Engage in regular assessments & verifications of their performance against the CHS to demonstrate their learning journey & commitment to improvement. - Resource Management: Ensure ethical & responsible management of resources to maximize the effectiveness & efficiency of humanitarian aid. 2. Local Communities & Affected Populations: - Participation & Empowerment: Have the right to actively participate in decisions & actions that affect them, ensuring their needs & priorities guide humanitarian efforts. - Rights & Safety: Can expect to access timely & effective support that does not harm people or the environment & have avenues to safely report concerns & complaints. - Information Access: Should receive transparent & accessible information about their rights, the support available, & how to hold supporting organizations accountable. 3. Donors & Funding Bodies: - Support for CHS Implementation: Encourage & fund humanitarian organizations to adopt & effectively implement the CHS, including supporting the necessary systems & capacity-building efforts. - Accountability for Contributions: Monitor the use of funds to ensure they are used responsibly & ethically, contributing to the fulfillment of CHS commitments. 4. Governmental & Regulatory Bodies: - Regulation & Support: Recognize & integrate the CHS within national regulatory frameworks & humanitarian response strategies to promote a standardized approach to quality & accountability. - Collaboration & Enforcement: Collaborate with humanitarian organizations to ensure that interventions align with the CHS & contribute to a coordinated, effective response to crises. 5. Partners & Other Stakeholders - Coherent Approach: Work in partnership with humanitarian organizations to apply the CHS in a coherent & consistent manner, respecting the unique roles & contributions of each entity. - Capacity Building: Engage in mutual learning & capacity-building efforts to strengthen the collective ability to meet the CHS commitments By disaggregating these messages for different audiences, it's possible to highlight the tailored responsibilities & actions needed from each group to achieve the overarching goals of the CHS. This approach not only ensures that the needs & rights of affected populations are at the forefront of humanitarian efforts but also promotes a collaborative, inclusive, & sustainable approach to addressing crises. CHS Alliance Sphere Standards HQAI - Humanitarian Quality Assurance Initiative

The newest edition of the #CHS is in the room. It’s underpinned by the same foundation - putting people in situation of crisis and vulnerability at the center of interventions. #CHS CHS Alliance

Whether we like it or not (and as humanitarians, we do not), we live in a world where humanitarian need is outpacing the capacity to respond. We should be laser focused on both evidence-based impact and cost-effectiveness. This means making sure that every dollar goes to help as many people as possible. Thank you Sarah Case for highlighting the need for cost-effectiveness analysis. https://lnkd.in/gj9TU_qV #SROI #CommunityROI

We are gearing up to introduce the revised Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS). As we prepare for this, I am reminded of the incredible impact our collective efforts can have on communities in need. Despite the challenges we may face and the obstacles that may arise, it is crucial that we remain committed. It all begins with listening to the communities and continuing to prioritize their needs. After all, they are not just beneficiaries – they're the rightful owners of our support. Let's continue to uphold accountability, transparency, and quality in everything we do. Stay tuned for updates! #HumanitarianAid #AccountabilityMatters #QualityStandards #CHSRevision #MakeAidWork #ShiftThePower

CRITICAL ISSUE IN HUMANITARIAN AID: BETRAYING COMMUNITIES IN SECURITY-PRONE AREAS FOR SELF-SAFETY We are witnessing a troubling trend where development organizations withdraw or reduce their presence in communities due to security concerns. This is a frequent occurrence, especially in the western and northern parts of our country. Yesterday, during my phone conversation with my childhood priest, who remains in one of these affected areas, he expressed feelings of betrayal. He recounted the bold actions of previous missionary workers who stayed with the communities despite the hardships and security risks of the time. He is particularly angry about the current development aid organizations' withdrawal during times of hardship, making people feel abandoned. He noted that many development partners are withdrawing following the rise in security concerns, leaving almost all western Ethiopia, a majority of central Ethiopia, and the northern parts of the country. He questioned whether these organizations might concentrate in Addis Ababa in the short term if the current trend continues or completely freeze operations if the situation worsens countrywide. This is in stark contrast to their professed humanitarian principles and the word of God, which commands standing with those in hardship and feeding the hungry and thirsty. Instead, they are abandoning those in need and focusing on those who already have their daily bread. While it is crucial to ensure the safety of workers, neglecting humanitarian commitments is deeply disappointing. Development organizations can better support communities in insecure environments and fulfill their humanitarian commitments if they adopt the following strategies in their project design, implementation, and monitoring instead of always fleeing from needy communities, especially children and women suffering from hunger, disease, and death: 1.   Strengthen Local Partnerships by collaborate with local faith organizations, community-based organizations and others to ensure continuity of support. 2.   Remote Management and Monitoring by leveraging technology such as mobile phones, satellite imagery, and online platforms to monitor projects remotely and maintain communication with local partners and beneficiaries. 3.   Engage community members in project planning and implementation to build trust and ensure their needs are met even in the absence of international staff. 4.   Advocate for improved security measures and protection for aid workers and beneficiaries with local authorities and international bodies. 5.   Provide comprehensive security training for all staff and partners 6.   Develop flexible and adaptive project plans that can adapt to changing security situations without halting support completely. 7.   Use local resources and staff in implementation to ensure continuity. 8.  Maintain open and transparent communication with all stakeholders #Humanity, #Humanitarianaid, #staffandorganizationsaftey

Final report of the Inter Agency Standing Committee Independent Review on Humanitarian Response to Internal Displacement The Review reveals that the humanitarian system does not respond well to internally displaced persons (IDP) crises. Fundamentally, it is: - too slow to respond; - not joined up, if and when it does respond; - overlooking IDPs’ specific needs; - focused more on internal processes than meaningfully engaging the people it aims to help; and - too slow to help IDPs get their lives back on track. Priority recommendations 1. Ensure a timely response by better global focus by the IASC, better rapid response mechanisms, and prompt cluster activation and deployment. 2. Ensure a stronger, more joined-up response by enhancing government capacities and strengthening the Resident Coordinator/Humanitarian Coordinator (RC/HC) leadership role, with strengthened mutual accountability measures and more authority to organise clusters for the context. Reinvigorate Emergency Relief Coordinator (ERC) leadership on IDPs. 3. Fundamentally reorient the humanitarian system’s approach to participation and empowerment of IDPs and other affected communities, to ensure their voices define priority-setting, programming and decision-making. Increase and expand support to local IDP organisations, and the delivery of empowering aid, such as cash. 4. Protection needs to be at the heart of response and solutions. More robust and timely deployment of capacity is needed, as well as higher-level support for humanitarian diplomacy on the most difficult issues. 5. Better lay the groundwork for solutions through concentrating on giving people agency and choice from the beginning, and having a stronger focus on urban environments. Areas such as livelihoods, education and rights should be a priority, not an afterthought. Systems, coordination and funding should reflect this. 6. Develop and implement an updated IASC policy on IDPs. 7. Advocate and work with both humanitarian and development donors and IASC leadership to bring on longer-term, more impactful financing for protracted situations.

The Daily Star of today carries my article on the pressing issue of global humanitarian funding shortfalls and potential remedies. The write-up delves into the significant disparities between the funds required and the actual financial support received for humanitarian efforts worldwide. This gap hinders the ability to effectively respond to crises and support vulnerable populations. My discussion includes solutions and strategies to bridge this funding divide, ensuring that humanitarian aid reaches those in need more efficiently and effectively.

🌐Their Voices: Telecommunications for Humanitarian Aid🌐 www.humanitylink.world In the face of adversity, connectivity becomes a beacon of hope. At Humanity Link, we stand at the crossroads of 🗼 technology and ❤️ compassion, creating 📱 telecommunication platforms 📱 that empower non-profits and humanitarian organizations to reach, support, and elevate 🏃♀️ displaced communities amidst crises. The challenge is clear: For those uprooted by conflict or natural disasters, access to information and services is not just critical—it's lifesaving. Our mission is to ensure that, no matter where they are, displaced individuals have the means to find shelter, healthcare, and legal aid at their fingertips. Our solutions are crafted to meet these needs head-on, offering a lifeline in the form of reliable, accessible communication tools. Whether through mobile apps that guide to the nearest aid station or SMS services that alert communities to emergency resources, our technology is a pillar on which non-profits can lean. Our 💵 #Cash and 🎟 #Voucher systems are cutting edge in both speed, elegance and security. But our vision extends beyond immediate crisis response. We are committed to supporting long-term recovery and resilience, aiding in education, integration, and the rebuilding of communities. Through innovative telecommunication, we not only address urgent needs but also foster a foundation for sustainable growth and healing. We would be proud to collaborate with organizations at the forefront of humanitarian aid, including World Vision, World Food Programme, Save the Children International, International Rescue Committee and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and so many others. Together, we can make strides towards a world where technology transcends boundaries, offering hope and support to those who need it most. Our customers have deployed systems in Myanmar, Yemen, Palestine, Jordan, Libya, Sudan and South Sudan just to name a few. Join us on this journey. With your support, we can continue to harness the power of telecommunications to make a lasting impact on the lives of displaced communities worldwide. Humanity Link  #Telecommunications  #HumanitarianAid  #DisplacedCommunities #SocialImpact #TechForGood #ict4d #refugees

The European Commission (DG ECHO) has allocated €20 million in humanitarian aid to Haiti, where unprecedented levels of gang violence are dramatically increasing humanitarian needs country-wide for civilians. The funding will help humanitarian partners to address the most urgent needs of the population, in terms of protection, food assistance, nutrition, water and sanitation and healthcare. A specific allocation will support education in emergencies, so children can still receive schooling despite the ongoing crisis.