The Sphere Project Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Disaster Response

The aim of the Project is to improve the quality of assistance provided to people affected by disasters, and to enhance the accountability of the humanitarian system in disaster response.

In July 1997, the Sphere Project was launched by a group of humanitarian agencies. This project has developed a Humanitarian Charter and a set of universal minimum standards in core areas of humanitarian assistance: water supply & sanitation, nutrition, food aid, shelter & site planning and health services.

The Sphere Project is a significant process - it has entailed an extensive and broad-based consultation in the humanitarian community. The people who participated in writing the Sphere handbook came from national and international NGOs, UN agencies, and academic institutions. Thousands of individuals from over 300 organisations representing 60 countries have participated in various aspects of the Sphere Project, from developing the handbook through to piloting and training. The Sphere process has endeavoured to be inclusive, transparent, and globally representative.

Web Site: www.sphereproject.org