The CHS revision process: an opportunity to reinforce the role of communities within the aid system
Context
The Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS) was created in 2014, based on the lessons learned from several quality and accountability initiatives in the aid sector. The drafting process required significant input from all stakeholders – aid organisations, governments, donors and communities – who explored the question of how to improve aid. The result was a harmonised framework of best practice for organisations in the form of 9 commitments broken down into key actions and organisational responsibilities.
Since it was launched, the CHS has been adopted by hundreds of organisations and has had a real impact on the way aid is delivered in the world. But the content of the Standard currently needs to be revised due to a number of parameters that have evolved in the last 7 years: the changing nature of crises, the changing needs and expectations of stakeholders, recognition of the sector’s limits, and the growing importance of certain topics (such as localisation, the environment and climate change). A revision process has therefore been launched in 2022 to improve the Core Humanitarian Standard, with a first consultation phase that focuses on the following:
- Foundations: reaffirm and validate core commitments and responsibilities;
- Content: strengthen core elements, identify gaps and duplications, take into account new developments and issues;
- Presentation: simplify the language used, make it more user-friendly and relevant to a wider group of operators.
This consultation is aimed at all stakeholders via a number of different initiatives (interviews, discussion forums, round tables and webinars) and is focused on certain priority issues including community engagement and participation. These cross-cutting concepts are included at different levels of the Standard (commitments, key actions, and organisational responsibilities). However, the current revision is an opportunity to reinforce the place and role of communities within the Standard, and consequently within the aid system.
Objectives
As one of the authors of the Standard, Groupe URD would like to invite anyone interested to contribute to the consultation process and reflect in a collective and participatory manner about the place given to community engagement and participation in the Core Humanitarian Standard.
The objectives of this session will be to:
- Discuss the concepts of community engagement and participation and how these are linked to the quality and accountability commitments in the Core Humanitarian Standard;
- Identify possible ways to reinforce the place given to community engagement and participation within the Core Humanitarian Standard;
- Propose concrete ways to operationalise community engagement and participation in aid projects via the Core Humanitarian Standard.
Any other feedback that could be useful for the revision process is also welcome.
Format
The webinar will take place on Zoom with interactive activities involving all participants, and discussion sessions in sub-groups.
Before the webinar:
To make the discussions during the consultation as efficient as possible, please consult the Core Humanitarian Standard before the webinar to identify any issues at stake related to participation and community engagement.
Date: 01/12/22
Time: 10:00 – 11:30 (FR) & 2.00 – 3.30 pm (ENG)
Languages: FR & ENG