Introduction
The Humanitarian Charter was drawn up by Sphere. Unlike, for example, the Red Cross code of conduct, adherence to the charter is voluntary: this is a self-regulatory initiative. Humanitarian agencies committed to the charter and the minimum standards will aim to achieve defined levels of service for people affected by calamity or conflict.
Now, take a few moments to think about the following questions.
Question 1
What do humanitarians do? Enter your answers in the text box below.
Answer
Some answers you may have given include:
- advocacy
- the humanitarian imperative
- protection
- assistance
- alleviating suffering
Do these make sense to you?
Question 2
How do humanitarians work? Enter your answers in the text box below.
Answer
Some answers you may have given include:
- voluntary service
- with respect for dignity
- with accountability
- with participation
Do these make sense to you?
Now click on the ‘Discussion’ button for some further thoughts on what these answers might mean.
Discussion
We’ve suggested multiple answers for both the questions above. This suggests that the word ‘humanitarian’ has different meanings depending on the situation in which it is being used.
It is important that we, as a community of humanitarian workers, have a shared understanding of what being a humanitarian means – what we do and how we do it.
The Humanitarian Charter gives us a framework within which to discuss humanitarian work. It reflects the motivations that inform humanitarian action.