Humanitarian standards in context - Bringing the Sphere Handbook to life

Introduction

This tutorial provides a step-by-step guide on how to implement the humanitarian standards outlined in the Sphere Handbook, as depicted in the film "Bringing the Sphere Handbook to Life." The video showcases the practical application of these standards in various regions, emphasizing their role in improving quality and accountability in humanitarian responses.

Step 1: Understand the Sphere Standards

Familiarize yourself with the core principles of the Sphere Handbook. These standards focus on:

• Humanitarian Charter: Ensures the right to life with dignity and outlines the humanitarian responsibilities.
• Minimum Standards: Provide guidance on key areas such as water supply, nutrition, shelter, and health services.

Practical Advice

• Read the Sphere Handbook thoroughly to understand each standard.
• Identify the specific context in which you will apply these standards, whether in disaster response or development projects.

Step 2: Assess Local Needs and Context

Conduct a thorough assessment of the local community's needs. Understanding the context is crucial for effective implementation.

Practical Advice

• Engage with local stakeholders to gather insights on pressing humanitarian needs.
• Use surveys and interviews to collect data on community resources, vulnerabilities, and existing services.

Step 3: Plan Your Response

Develop a strategic plan that aligns with the Sphere standards and addresses identified needs.

Practical Advice

• Set clear, achievable goals based on your assessment.
• Include local community members in the planning process to ensure their needs and capacities are considered.

Step 4: Implement the Standards

Put your plan into action by applying the Sphere standards in your humanitarian response.

Practical Advice

• Ensure all team members are trained on the Sphere standards and understand their importance.
• Regularly monitor the implementation process to ensure adherence to the standards.

Step 5: Monitor and Evaluate

Establish a system for ongoing monitoring and evaluation of your humanitarian response.

Practical Advice

• Use the indicators from the Sphere Handbook to assess the quality of your services.
• Conduct regular feedback sessions with beneficiaries to gather insights on service effectiveness.

Step 6: Document and Share Experiences

Capture your experiences and lessons learned throughout the process.

Practical Advice

• Maintain detailed records of your planning, implementation, and evaluation stages.
• Share your findings with the broader humanitarian community to contribute to collective learning.

Conclusion

Implementing the Sphere standards effectively enhances the quality and accountability of humanitarian responses. By understanding the standards, assessing local needs, planning strategically, and continuously monitoring your efforts, you can significantly improve the impact of your work. As a next step, consider downloading the accompanying video guide for trainers to further enhance your training sessions on humanitarian standards.