This pocket guide is focusing on the Core Humanitarian Standard and Recommendations on their Operationalization.

 

Why this DEMAC Toolkit?

The DEMAC toolkit, with 5 pocket guides, intends to offer practical guidance to support diaspora organizations in their humanitarian response and enhance coordination with diaspora and the humanitarian institutional system.

The toolkit is informed by DEMAC lessons learnt, consultations and good practices on diaspora humanitarianism. It provides guidance for diaspora responders and sets the framework for increasing understanding, knowledge and capacity in humanitarian response.

The toolkit does not intend to provide a binding, predetermined list of interventions or types of activities that may or may not be implemented, as this is dependent on the specific context and would appear overly prescriptive. We encourage adaptation of this resource to your local context.

What is the Core Humanitarian Standard?

The Core Humanitarian Standard on Quality and Accountability (CHS) sets out Nine Commitments that organizations and individuals involved in humanitarian response can use to improve the quality and effectiveness of the assistance they provide.

The CHS places communities and people affected by crisis at the centre of humanitarian action. As a core standard, the CHS describes the essential elements of principled, accountable, and high-quality humanitarian aid. It is a voluntary and measurable standard.

 

Why do Diaspora Organizations have to comply with CHS?

Diaspora Organizations have connections with and an understanding of their country of origin which plays a vital role in humanitarian assistance, where they are often part of the first response in the aftermath of a disaster. Many can be considered frontline responders themselves, making direct and concrete contributions to emergency responses in their home countries.

A good understanding of CHS and its application when they respond to the crisis will result in high-quality services and ensure accountability to those they seek to assist. Diaspora organizations should seek to improve their practices, structures, and processes to ensure CHS are considered at each stage of their response.

Purpose of the CHS

The purpose of the Nine Commitments of the CHS is for humanitarian actors to:
• Improve quality and effectiveness of the assistance they provide
• Promote the well-being and protection of those affected by disaster or conflict
• Increase accountability to the communities they serve so they can hold organizations to account to the expected conduct of staff and assistance promised

The CHS places people affected by crisis at the centre of humanitarian action.

Useful Resources

• Core Humanitarian Standard
• Core Humanitarian Standard tools
• Sphere
• CHS Alliance