Thematic Focus: Humanitarian Assistance

News: Launch of several key resources

Global Humanitarian Overview 2019 (OCHA, Dec. 2018) [access]
- The GHO is the "most comprehensive, authoritative and evidence-based assessment of priority global humanitarian needs and how to respond to them." For more info., follow link for report, background documents, videos and other related press materials. See also the GHO's companion report below on data and trends.

The Sphere Handbook: Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Humanitarian Response, 4th ed. (Sphere, Nov. 2018) [access]
- "This fourth edition marks the 20th anniversary of The Sphere Handbook and reflects changes in the humanitarian sector over that time. It includes new guidance for working in urban settings, for addressing Minimum Standards in protracted crises, and for delivering assistance through markets as a way to meet the standards. All technical chapters have been updated to reflect current practice, and the harmonised Core Humanitarian Standard replaces the previous Core Standards."

The State of the Humanitarian System, 4th ed. (ALNAP, Dec. 2018) [access]
- The SOHS "is an independent study that compiles the latest statistics on the size, shape and scope of the humanitarian system and assesses overall performance and progress. Published every three years, it provides a unique sector-level mapping and assessment of international humanitarian assistance." Follow link for microsite and text of the report.

World Humanitarian Data and Trends 2018 (OCHA, Dec. 2018) [access]
- The WHDT "highlights major trends in the nature of humanitarian crises, their causes and drivers. This year’s report includes case studies on the evolution of protracted crises, attacks on health care, attacks on education, water and conflict, and strengthening local action through country-based pooled funds."

Publications:

As Local as Possible, as International as Necessary: Understanding Capacity and Complementarity in Humanitarian Action (ODI, Nov. 2018) [text]

Humanitarian Action and Foreign Policy: Balancing Interests and Values (ODI, Nov. 2018) [text]

Humanitarian Evidence Week, 19-25 Nov. 2018 [access]
- Follow link for a variety of blog posts and webinars that "highlight topics related to generation, use and dissemination of evidence in the humanitarian sector."

Launch of the Humanitarian Assistance Steering Council (U.S. State Dept., Nov. 2018) [text]

Measuring the Iceberg: The Opportunities and Limits of Better Tracking of Resources Beyond International Humanitarian Assistance (ODI, Nov. 2018) [text]

Scoping Study: Civil Society Space in Humanitarian Action (ICVA, Nov. 2018) [text]

The State of Humanitarian Journalism (University of East Anglia, Oct. 2018) [text via Academia]
- See also related IRIN story.

UK Counterterrorism Travel Ban Could Criminalise Humanitarian Assistance (ODI Comment, Nov. 2018) [text]

What Do African Aid Recipients Think of Charity Ads? (NPR, Nov. 2018) [text]

Related post:
- Thematic Focus: Humanitarian Assistance (14 Nov. 2018)

Tagged Publications and Web Sites/Tools.