What is Sphere and why is it important? Sphere Project Module 1

“All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood”. UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS( 10 Dec 1948) (ARTICLE 1) Sphere Project Module 1

What is Sphere Sphere handbook, Page 5 Having recorded your understanding on Sphere, Please refer to Page 5 of Sphere handbook and read the highlighted extract on What is Sphere. Sphere handbook, Page 5

What is Sphere Core Beliefs 2. Sphere Handbook 1. Sphere Process Sphere is based on two core beliefs. ( Mouse over and click for relevant part) Sphere is three things: A body of knowledge, the core of which is Sphere handbook; A broad process of c collaboration to distill the experiences of global humanitarian community into the Sphere body of knowledge; And an expression of commitment to quality and accountability of humanitarian work. Please take the cursor over the components to find out what it contains and click to study the components in detail. ( four objects on the screen, mouse over each component runs a small movie, click over each component takes the control to respective file) 1. Sphere Process 3. Expression of Commitment Quality Accountability

Sphere India: A process of Collaboration NCHA (National Coalition of Humanitarian Agencies in India) 44 Member Agencies and 13 State Level IAGs Geo Hazards International World Vision India CDMASS ACTED Goal India OXFAM Action Aid VASUDEVA ADRA Tear Fund IAEM IGSSS Welthungerhilfe CASA WHO EHA Biswa VASUDEVA ESAF EFICOR Sphere India Project Concern International AIDMI CARITAS INDIA Care India UNFPA Dan Church Aid IRCS CARE India Heifer International CISF Discipleship Centre UNICEF Christian Aid VANI UNDP Seeds India Lutheran World Service India Concern World wide Plan International (India) IFRC Child Fund India LWF Grassroots Trust National Institute of Disaster Management, GoI Save the Children Bal Raksha Bharat

Humanitarian Assistance ?

Sphere Project Module 1

Rights-based approach Before: Today People have “needs” People have rights We help because we are “charitable” We help because we have a legal obligation Charity is an “option” Legal obligations are not Give what you can Give according to standards which are based on rights/HRL/IHL/RL instruments

Example milestones in humanitarianism 460 B.C. Hippocrates 1000 A.D. Order of Malta 1350 Plague 1700 Public health knowledge increases human life span Solferino 1859 Red Cross 1919 WW1 Save the Children League of Nations 1945 WWII UN Charter CARE Oxfam LWF IRC 1948/9 Geneva Conventions UDHR 1951 Refugee Convention & UNHCR 1969 Biafra MSF 1976 International Bill of Rights ratified 1989 Cold War ends 1998 Guiding Principals on IDPs Sphere 1984 Ethiopian Famine 1994 Rwanda genocide, RC/RC Code of Conduct Sphere Project Module 1

What is Sphere Handbook…. Sphere Project Module 1

Commitment towards quality and accountability Process of collaboration Knowledge The handbook <On click next> Now have a look at these videos “ Introduction to Sphere “ and add to your notes about your understanding on sphere. Click next button when finished. Time 12 minutes. Commitment towards quality and accountability Process of collaboration

Tools to put principles and values into action Introduction What is Sphere? 2004 Edition The Code of Conduct The Humanitarian Charter Standards common to all sectors Each Chapter includes Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene Promotion • Minimum standards Food Security, Nutrition and Food Aid • Key indicators Shelter, Settlement and Non-Food items • Guidance notes Health Services Sphere Project Module 1

Extensive consultation 1997 Initial consultation 2000 handbook launched 2004 handbook revised edition 4000+ people 80 countries around the world 400 organisations Sphere Project Module 1

Main project activities • Awareness raising • Distributing the handbook and other tools • Technical revisions of the handbook • Training on how to apply the handbook • Support to agencies Sphere Project Module 1

Humanitarian Charter: Informed by international law • Right to life with dignity - Universal Declaration of Human Rights - Civil, political, economic and social covenants - The Geneva Conventions - Convention against Torture - Rights of the Child • The distinction between combatants and non-combatants - Geneva Conventions - Rights of the Child The principal of non-refoulement No refugee be sent back to a country where her life or freedom will be threatened on account of race, nationality, religion, political opinion/affiliation –if substantial grounds to believe she will be subjected to torture. Sphere Project Module 1

What is a minimum standard? The minimum level of service to be attained in humanitarian assistance Water supply standard 1: Access and Water Quantity All people have safe and equitable access to a sufficient quantity for drinking, cooking and personal and domestic hygiene. Public water points are sufficiently close to households to enable use of minimum water requirement see page 63 Sphere Project Module 1

What are key indicators? Signals that show whether a standard has been attained. They provide a way of measuring and communicating both the impact, or result, of programmes as well as the process, or methods, used. The indicators may be qualitative or quantitative. Key indicators A maximum of 20 people use each toilet Use of toilets is arranged by household (s) and / or segregated by sex Toilets are no more than 50 meters from dwellings Toilets are used in the most hygienic way and children’s faeces are disposed of immediately and hygienically see page 71 Sphere Project Module 1

What are guidance notes? They disseminate experience, illuminate areas of controversy, and help use indicators properly in context Guidance notes: “ General free food distribution may not be appropriate when; adequate supplies of food are available in the area ( and the need is to address obstacles to access) A localised lack of food availability can be addressed by support of marlet systems Local attitudes or policies are against free food handouts see page 121 Sphere Project Module 1

Standards, key indicators and guidance notes Minimum standards Key indicators Guidance notes Sphere Project Module 1

Aid worker’s competencies & responsibilities Common Standards Participation Initial assessment Response Targeting Monitoring Evaluation Aid worker’s competencies & responsibilities Supervision, management & support of personnel Sphere Project Module 1

In conclusion: Tools Humanitarian Charter: • provides the framework to convert the appreciation of rights into action Minimum standards: • provide standards to aspire to • enable planning Key indicators: • provide signals to assess whether the standards have been met Guidance notes: • provide information to help apply indicators in context Sphere Project Module 1

www.sphereproject.org.in www.sphereindia.org.in Resources on the web-site include: • Handbook in different language • Training material and trainer’s guide • Case studies • Lessons from institutionalising Sphere • Annual reports • Newsletters • Other reference materials Sphere Project Module 1

Sphere India Secretariat Sphere India Building No. 3, Flat No. 302/3, Sona Apartments, Kaushilya Park, Hauz Khas, New Delhi - 110016 (INDIA) Phone: +91-11-46070374, 75; Fax: +91-11-46070379 E-mail: info@sphereindia.org.in Website: www.sphereindia.org.in Sphere Project Module 1