Introduction
Without looking back to the Sphere handbook, try to answer the following questions.
Question 1
What are the principles in the Humanitarian Charter that inform how humanitarian action (protection and assistance) is carried out? Write them in the text box below.
Answer
The charter principles are:
- the right to life with dignity
- the distinction between combatants and non-combatants
- the principle of non-refoulement
The charter also states: Agencies committed to the Humanitarian Charter will aim to achieve the Minimum Standards and to promote the observance of fundamental humanitarian principles.
Question 2
What other principles does the charter refer to?
Answer
The Humanitarian Charter also makes reference to:
- the principles set out in the Code of Conduct for the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and Non-Governmental Organisations in Disaster Relief (1994), and names in particular humanity and impartiality
Question 3
What does the Humanitarian Charter say about roles and responsibilities – is it necessary for humanitarian workers to consider the roles and responsibilities of others? Does the Humanitarian Charter say that we should work closely with governments, for example? Write your response below.
Answer
The charter states: ‘We recognise that it is firstly through their own efforts that the basic needs of people affected by calamity or armed conflict are met.’
The charter also acknowledges: The primary role and responsibility of the state to provide assistance when people’s capacity to cope has been exceeded
, and recognises that, where governments are not able to fulfil their obligations, there is a moral duty on others to assist: As humanitarian agencies we define our role in relation to these primary roles and responsibilities. Our role reflects the reality that those with primary responsibility are not always able or willing to perform this role themselves
.
Question 4
To whom are humanitarian agencies accountable? Write your response below.
Answer
You may have given several answers. The most important thing to remember is that our fundamental accountability must be to those we seek to assist
.
The section in the Humanitarian Charter on minimum standards also outlines an accountability to our own endeavour to meet the standards: people affected by disaster should have access to at least the minimum requirements … to satisfy their basic right to life with dignity.