The Sphere project: humanitarian charter and minimum standards in humanitarian response

This new edition of the Sphere Handbook updates the qualitative and quantitative indicators and guidance notes and improves the overall structure and consistency of the text. It describes the core principles that govern humanitarian action and asserts the right of populations to protection and assistance. It addresses new and strengthened cross-cutting issues such as the impact of climate change, disaster risk reduction and psycho-social issues.

The new edition contains: (i) a rewritten Humanitarian Charter; (ii) updated common standards; (iii) a stronger focus on protection; and (iv) revised technical chapters. The Charter is followed by minimum standards in five core sectors - water supply and sanitation, nutrition, food aid, shelter and site planning and health services.