CHS Alliance

CHS Alliance

The CHS Alliance is a global network of humanitarian and development organizations committed to making aid work better for people. It focuses on promoting the Core Humanitarian Standard on Quality and Accountability (CHS), which sets out nine commitments that organizations can use to improve the quality and effectiveness of the assistance they provide.

History

The CHS Alliance was formed in 2015 through the merger of two organizations: HAP International (Humanitarian Accountability Partnership) and People In Aid. Both organizations had a long history of working to improve accountability and quality in humanitarian response. The merger was aimed at creating a stronger, unified body to promote the CHS and support organizations in implementing it.

Mission and Objectives

The mission of the CHS Alliance is to promote respect for the rights and dignity of people and communities affected by crisis, and to enhance the effectiveness and accountability of humanitarian action. Its objectives include:

• Supporting organizations to apply the CHS in their work.
• Providing training and resources to improve quality and accountability.
• Advocating for the adoption of the CHS across the humanitarian sector.
• Facilitating peer learning and sharing of best practices among members.

Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS)

The Core Humanitarian Standard on Quality and Accountability is a set of nine commitments that organizations can use to improve the quality and effectiveness of their assistance. These commitments include:

1. Communities and people affected by crisis receive assistance appropriate and relevant to their needs.
2. Communities and people affected by crisis have access to the humanitarian assistance they need at the right time.
3. Communities and people affected by crisis are not negatively affected and are more prepared, resilient, and less at-risk as a result of humanitarian action.
4. Communities and people affected by crisis know their rights and entitlements, have access to information, and participate in decisions that affect them.
5. Communities and people affected by crisis have access to safe and responsive mechanisms to handle complaints.
6. Communities and people affected by crisis receive coordinated, complementary assistance.
7. Communities and people affected by crisis can expect delivery of improved assistance as organizations learn from experience and reflection.
8. Communities and people affected by crisis receive the assistance they require from competent and well-managed staff and volunteers.
9. Communities and people affected by crisis can expect that the organizations assisting them are managing resources effectively, efficiently, and ethically.

Membership

The CHS Alliance has a diverse membership that includes non-governmental organizations (NGOs), United Nations agencies, and other humanitarian actors. Members commit to applying the CHS in their work and to participating in the Alliance's activities.

Activities

The CHS Alliance engages in a variety of activities to support its mission, including:

• Providing training and capacity-building workshops for humanitarian workers.
• Developing tools and resources to help organizations implement the CHS.
• Conducting research and advocacy to promote accountability and quality in humanitarian action.
• Organizing conferences and events to facilitate networking and knowledge sharing among members.

Also see

• Humanitarian Accountability Partnership
• People In Aid
• Core Humanitarian Standard
• Humanitarian aid
• Non-governmental organization