The Sphere process involves:
- universal right to assistance
- NGO agreement on core principles and key actions
- agreement on standards for programmes to address disasters
- consensus on technical standards
In order to respond to the challenges facing the humanitarian community, Sphere first argued for the universal right of all disaster-affected people to humanitarian assistance based on international law.
Second, it achieved NGO agreement on core principles and key actions needed.
Third, it brought together and won agreement on standards for programmes to address disasters.
Finally, Sphere achieved consensus within the humanitarian community on the technical standards which humanitarian programmes should achieve.
This process has not only led to the development of the Sphere handbook but also to discussion within the humanitarian community on quality and accountability in humanitarian work.
This process aims to help people in disasters to achieve their rights in an effective and accountable way.
Sphere is a rights-based approach to humanitarian assistance.