Humanitarian Principles → Humanitarian accountability

Humanitarian accountability

Humanitarian accountability concerns  the responsible use of power, authority and resources.

It aims to ensure that the needs, concerns, interests and capacities of beneficiaries, staff, partners and other stakeholders are reflected in what we do, how we do it, and the ultimate outcomes of humanitarian action.
Consider:

• Who you are responsible for and who you are accountable to?
• What are your responsibilities and how are they being met?
• The mechanisms needed to ensure these responsibilities are met.
• The processes needed to enable corrective action where appropriate.

Effective accountability and responsible use of power requires:

• Decision-making processes which involve those who will be affected by the decisions made.
• Appropriate communication systems that ensure those affected by decisions, proposals and actions are fully informed, taking into account technology limitations and language requirements.
• Processes that give equal access and consideration to all groups in raising their concerns and seeking redress or compensation.

Seven Principles of Accountability

1. Commitment to humanitarian standards and rights: Commitment to respect and foster humanitarian standards and the rights of beneficiaries.
2. Setting standards and building capacity: Provide a framework of accountability for stakeholders; Establish and periodically review and revise standards and performance indicators; Provide appropriate training in the use and implementation of standards.
3. Communication: Consult and inform stakeholders, particularly beneficiaries and staff, about the standards adopted, planned programmes and mechanisms for addressing concerns.
4. Participation in programmes: Involve beneficiaries in the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of programmes and report on progress, subject only to serious operational constraints.
5. Monitoring and reporting on compliance:  Involve beneficiaries and staff in the monitoring and revision of standards;  Regularly monitor and evaluate compliance with standards, using robust processes; Regularly report to stakeholders, including beneficiaries in an appropriate form on the compliance with standards.
6. Addressing complaints:  Facilitate a safe, reliable complaint and redress process for beneficiaries and staff.
7. Implementing Partners:  Commitment to implementing these principles, including through implementing partners.

Adapted from the HAP Standard in Accountability and Quality Management © 2010 HAP