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 — a platform for dialogue and information sharing on strategic issues of common interest. -
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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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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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Mr. Martin Griffiths assumes new position as Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator -
Announcement of Mr. Martin Griffiths as Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator -
COVID-19 Impact on Humanitarian Emergencies: June 2021 Highlights -
The COVAX Humanitarian Buffer -
IASC Members Ring the Warning Bells: Famine Risk in 2021
Recent documents
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IASC Forward Agenda, 2021 Published Date -
Frequently Asked Questions: The COVAX Humanitarian Buffer Published Date -
Summary Record, IASC Principals ad hoc Meeting, 29 March 2021 Published Date -
Statement by Principals of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee on Gender-Based Violence in Tigray region of Ethiopia, 2021 Published Date -
LEADERSHIP IN HUMANITARIAN ACTION: Handbook for the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Published Date