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Created by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly resolution 46/182 in 1991, the Inter-Agency Standing Committee is the longest-standing and highest-level humanitarian coordination forum of the UN system, bringing together the executive heads of 18 UN and non-UN organizations to ensure coherence of preparedness and response efforts, formulate policy, and agree on priorities for strengthened humanitarian action. The IASC is chaired by the Emergency Relief Coordinator (ERC) and facilitates the leadership role of the UN Secretary-General by regularly convening to ensure better preparation for, as well as rapid and coherent response to, humanitarian crises.
The responsibilities of the IASC include: making strategic and policy decisions with system-wide implications; endorsing major operational decisions; arbitration where no consensus can be reached by other IASC structures; advocating common principles, collectively or individually on behalf of the IASC; approving the work plans of the IASC structures; bringing issues to the attention of the Secretary-General and Security Council through the ERC; and, designating Humanitarian Coordinators and selecting coordination arrangements.
The Committee is supported by subsidiary bodies; groups of decision-makers and experts who inform and carry out the priorities set by the IASC.
How the IASC is supported
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Deputies ForumShaping decisions — The IASC members are advised by their Deputies, who discuss initial positions for their organisations on complex issues. -
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Operational Policy and Advocacy Group (OPAG)One approach, one voice — The Policy Directors of each IASC member develop policy and joint advocacy through Results Groups of experts in support of the IASC's priorities. -
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Emergency Directors GroupOne response — The Emergency Directors of the IASC members and other agencies engaged on the ground meet to ensure a joined-up response to crises and disasters. -
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IASC Champion on Protection from Sexual Exploitation and AbuseThe IASC Champion on Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and Sexual Harassment (PSEA and SH) ensures that the IASC promotes a focus on PSEA and SH throughout its work and membership. -
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Entities Associated with the IASCContinuing excellence — Subsidiary bodies who have completed their formal mandates but who develop work valued by the humanitarian community continue as Entities Associated with the IASC. -
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IASC secretariatSupported to deliver — The IASC structures are facilitated by a secretariat who support their work, track decision making, and promote collaboration between groups.
Recent news
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Executive Heads of the IASC Addressing key issues to system-wide importance for humanitarian action -
Inter-Agency Standing Committee Meeting, 5 December 2019 -
IASC Strategic Priorities, 2018-2020 -
IASC Structures and Working Method for 2019-2020 -
IASC Principals Meeting, 3 December 2018, Summary
Recent documents
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Summary Record, IASC Principals meeting, 5 December 2019 Published Date -
Agenda, IASC, 5 December 2019 Published Date -
Logistics Note, IASC, 5 December 2019 Published Date -
IASC Six Core Principles Relating to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, 2019 Published Date -
Final Summary Record and Action Points [Open Sessions], IASC Principals meeting, 29 May 2019 Published Date