Sphere India Concept

Goal

The overall goal of the Sphere India (The National coalition of humanitarian agencies working in India – hereinafter called as ‘Sphere India’) shall be to Enhance the quality and accountability of humanitarian initiatives in India and contribute to any such governmental or non-governmental initiatives that seeks to improve the quality and accountability of humanitarian initiatives based on the Sphere Project principles and guidelines, provisions of inter agency standing committee and other inter agency initiatives. Sphere India shall act as the link between both aspirations and achievements of the humanitarian stakeholders and the work done by them and for them at various national and international levels.

 Through this overarching goal to enhance quality and accountability in humanitarian action in India, Sphere India shall contribute to the larger super goal of building disaster resilient communities in India

FUNCTIONS

In order to achieve its goals, the functions of Sphere India shall be:

1. To act as the promoting and coordinating organization on local, national and international efforts among governmental and nongovernmental organizations, bilateral and multilateral institutions, as well as the private sector, in increasing awareness of issues related to humanitarian sector and policies formulation.

2. To promote, in cooperation with specialized agencies where necessary, the policies for improvement in the systems, procedures and delivery of humanitarian interventions in India

3. To promote, in cooperation with specialized agencies where necessary, the policies to protect humanitarian stakeholders in general and disaster affected people and vulnerable groups in particular in cases of violation of basic rights and privileges based on grounds of politics, religion, race, color or gender

4. To promote, in cooperation with members, experts and advisory groups, and other specialized agencies wherever necessary, scientific studies concerning humanitarian issues, structures and policies.

5. To promote exchange of information on humanitarian issues and actions within and beyond the Sphere India members

6. To promote , organize and/or sponsor conferences, seminars, international, regional, national or local meetings and training workshops to discuss humanitarian issues and management

7. To promote cooperation among various humanitarian stakeholders that contributes to the improvement of quality in humanitarian action.

8. To promote and develop processes for collaborative and unified response to humanitarian challenges

9. To promote and develop the capacities of humanitarian stakeholders to cope with current and emerging humanitarian challenges.

10. To promote and conduct research and studies in the field of humanitarian action and related sectors

11. To promote equitable gender balance during humanitarian action

12. To promote empowerment of women by advocating an increased role for women decision making process at various levels during humanitarian planning and action

13. To promote respect and dignity for women, children, elderly and differentially vulnerable groups during humanitarian initiatives leading to their participation in the decision making process

14. To promote and strengthen the bonds of solidarity among and between humanitarian agencies in India and worldwide, encouraging the development of intra organizational support systems approaching their common responsibilities for an improvement in efficiency of humanitarian system in India

15. To study and report on, in cooperation with specialized agencies wherever necessary, administrative, managerial and operational techniques affecting humanitarian action, structures, functions, roles and responsibilities

16. To promote poverty alleviation in societies vulnerable to disasters, by supporting policies of disaster preparedness and sustainable development

17. To assist members, upon request, in strengthening their humanitarian policies and management systems

18. To assist members in developing informed public opinion among humanitarian stakeholders on issues related to humanitarian sector

19. To assist members upon request with appropriate technical assistance in their effort to improve the quality and efficiency of their humanitarian systems

20. To maintain and establish effective collaboration with international networks, bodies, agencies, academic and research organizations, United Nations, specialized agencies, professional groups, media, private sector and other organizations including government and non-government organizations as may be deemed appropriate.

21. To publish books, journals, magazines and newsletters on humanitarian issues, systems and management that seek to improve the quality of humanitarian action in India

22. To represent the interests of the humanitarian stakeholders and convey their concerns, needs and aspirations to the national and international community

23. To propose conventions, agreements, regulations and understandings and make recommendations with respect to international humanitarian policies and perform such duties as may be assigned thereby to Sphere India, which are consistent with its objective

24. To establish and maintain such administrative and operational services as may be required to effectively contribute to the objects of Sphere India

25. Generally take all necessary action to attain the objective or Sphere India