- In Brief
Reform of the Humanitarian System and the United Nations
In 2005 the United Nations embarked on a reform movement that touched on many aspects of its work and the humanitarian system at large.
Many of these reforms directly impact the mission of the International Rescue Committee as we work closely with UN agencies around the world.
The IRC is an important partner of UN agencies, intergovernmental organisations and national authorities in saving lives, protecting and helping victims of conflict and rebuilding societies recovering from war.
The key reforms included:
- establishing a "cluster approach" to fill gaps in humanitarian assistance and improve accountability, predictability and reliability;
- recruiting more experienced UN humanitarian coordinators to lead lifesaving efforts in a country and serve as spokespeople for those in need, particularly in countries where the UN resident representative's deep involvement in policy discussions can distract from or compete with his or her role coordinating relief; and,
- expanding a central UN fund to jump-start lifesaving relief operations in emergencies and provide crucial funding for lesser-known and under-funded crises.
The International Rescue Committee endorsed the above reforms and continues to engage with the process through the NGOs and Humanitarian Reform Project, a three-year project funded by the UK Department for International Development (DFID) aimed at improving NGO participation in the reformed humanitarian system and focusing on four countries: Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia and Zimbabwe.
In October 2009 the NGOs and Humanitarian Reform Project published its Synthesis report – "Review of the engagement of NGOs with the humanitarian reform process" – which outlines progress made in humanitarian leadership, coordination and financing since the reform process was launched, and makes recommendations to donors, the UN and NGOs on how to improve system-wide responses.
The IRC supports the work of the United Nations and seeks an efficient, functioning and amply supported institution that responds effectively to humanitarian crises and conflict.
February 2010
