20 December 07

Salvation Army joins Board of Sphere Project

The Salvation Army has become a member of the Board of the Sphere Project, which was launched in 1997 by a group of humanitarian non-governmental organisa

THE Salvation Army has become a member of the Board of the Sphere Project. Sphere – launched in 1997 by a group of humanitarian non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the Red Cross and Red Crescent movement – is based on two core beliefs: first, that all possible steps should be taken to alleviate human suffering arising out of calamity and conflict; and second, that those affected by disaster have a right to life with dignity and therefore a right to assistance.

It backs up these beliefs with a handbook (click to see the online version of the handbook), a broad process of collaboration and an expression of commitment to quality and accountability. The project has developed several tools, the key one being the handbook.

Captain Elizabeth Hayward (International Emergency Services Training Officer, IHQ), who is to be The Salvation Army's representative, says, 'For almost five years the principles enshrined within Sphere's humanitarian charter and its minimum standards have formed the basis for Salvation Army emergency training programmes around the world. As an organisation we stand alongside other NGOs and UN agencies in attempts to raise standards in emergency response. The invitation to become board members is recognition of the work we are doing to promote awareness and improve our response programmes.'

The Sphere Project has led to an extensive and broad-based consultation in the humanitarian community. The people who participated in writing the first edition of the Sphere handbook, and in its revision for 2004, came from national and international NGOs, UN agencies and academic institutions. Thousands of individuals from more than 400 organisations representing 80 countries have participated in various aspects of the Sphere Project, from developing the handbook through to training. The Sphere process has endeavoured to be inclusive, transparent and globally representative.

Commissioner Don Ødegaard (International Secretary for Programme Resources, IHQ) says, 'We are honoured to accept this invitation and play our part in promoting Sphere. Many other well-known organisations are board members and the interaction with these other agencies will not only allow us to input into future developments of Sphere but lessons learned will also benefit our own humanitarian ministry.'

The Sphere Project is based in Geneva, Switzerland, but the board structure reflects the internationalism of its influence. The next board meeting takes place in Washington DC, USA, in May 2008.

The Sphere Board comprises: