Click here to watch the recording

The humanitarian reform process, initiated by the United Nations in 2005, aimed to remedy gaps in humanitarian operations and improve the timeliness, effectiveness, and predictability of aid delivery. The reform process sought to achieve these goals through three separate but complementary approaches: (1) the introduction of the cluster system; (2) the Central Emergency Response Fund; and (3) a strengthened humanitarian coordinator system.

While greater synchronicity between humanitarian actors may be essential to improvement, the reform process thus far has been met with mixed results. To date, according to many observers, clusters tend to be more process than action oriented and largely exclude national and local actors. Much work still needs to be done to improve inter-cluster coordination and the direct funding of clusters rather than bilateral support has caused delays in operations. The cluster approach is not without positive developments. There have been improvements in the coverage of certain areas and better identification of gaps and duplication in assistance. However, in light of the observed international response to major disasters in recent years it is evident that the criticism that spurred the humanitarian reform process still has real traction. By examining this challenge to humanitarian reform, this ATHA Humanitarian Webcast sought to answer the following questions:

(1) What are the main challenges still faced by the humanitarian reform?
(2) Has the progress made by the reform process thus far been an overall benefit to humanitarian action?
(3) How has enhanced coordination and the cluster approach affected the strategic planning and independence of humanitarian agencies?

Moderated by:
Christina Blunt (ATHA Project Coordinator, HPCR)
Claude Bruderlein (Director, HPCR)
Presenters:
Belinda Holdsworth (Humanitarian Coordination Support Section (HCSS) - OCHA Geneva)
Julia Steets (Global Public Policy Institute (GPPi))
Patricia McIlreavy (InterAction)
Additional Preparatory Module:
Humanitarian Coordination

Participants to the Humanitarian Assistance Webcast are invited to review a self-paced online module on humanitarian coordination in preparation for the event. Tell us what you think afterwards on the ATHA Facebook page.

Additional Resources
Anne M. Street, "Humanitarian reform: a progress report," Humanitarian Exchange Magazine, Issue 45, December 2009.

Ben Ramalingam and Michael Barnett, "The Humanitarian's Dilemma: collective action or inaction in international relief?" Overseas Development Institute Background Notes, August 2010.

Costanza Adinolfi, David S. Bassiouni, Halvor Fossum Lauritzsen, Howard Roy Williams, "Humanitarian Response Review," Commissioned by the United Nations Emergency Relief Coordinator and Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, August 2005

Glyn Taylor, "Independent Review of the Value Added of the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) in Bolivia," Humanitarian Outcomes, 15 July 2011.

InterAction, "Revitalizing Humanitarian Reform," April 12, 2011.

Julia Steets, François Grünewald, Andrea binder, Véronique de Geoffroy, Domitille Kauffmann, Susanna Krüger, Claudia Meier and Bonaventure Sokpoh, "Cluster Approach Evaluation Synthesis Report, IASC Cluster Approach Evaluation, 2nd Phase, April 2010.