Created by United Nations General Assembly resolution 46/182 in 1991, the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) is the longest-standing and highest-level humanitarian coordination forum of the United Nations system. It brings together the executive heads of 18 organizations to formulate policy, set strategic priorities and mobilize resources in response to humanitarian crises.
With members from within and outside the United Nations, the IASC strengthens collective humanitarian action through the implementation of a coherent, unified response. Towards that end, the IASC advocates for common humanitarian principles and makes strategic, policy and operational decisions with a direct bearing on humanitarian operations on the ground.
The IASC is chaired by the Emergency Relief Coordinator, who facilitates the leadership role of the United Nations Secretary-General. The IASC regularly convenes to ensure preparedness and a rapid and coordinated humanitarian response. Through the Emergency Relief Coordinator (ERC) the IASC also brings critical issues to the attention of the United Nations Secretary-General and the United Nations Security Council.
The IASC is supported by subsidiary bodies as well as groups of experts who inform and carry out the priorities set by the IASC.
How the IASC is supported
-
Image
Deputies ForumShaping strategic decisions — The Deputies Forum is a platform for dialogue and information-sharing on issues of common interest.
-
Image
Operational Policy and Advocacy Group (OPAG)One approach, one voice — The Operational Policy and Avocacy Group oversees the work of the Results Groups on behalf of the IASC, identifies priorities and drives the strategic policy of the IASC. -
Image
Emergency Directors GroupOne response — The Emergency Directors Group takes action to ensure a collective, targeted response to humanitarian needs on the ground. -
Image
IASC secretariatSupport and facilitation — The IASC secretariat facilitates collaboration, communication, decision-making and implementation of activities across various IASC platforms. -
Image
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.
Recent news
-
UN and Partners Launch Response Plans to Help 28 Million People in Urgent Need in Afghanistan and the Region -
UN Security Council's milestone decision will save lives and livelihoods in Afghanistan, statement by Mr. Martin Griffiths, USG/ERC -
IASC turned 30! -
Appointments : Joyce Msuya, Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator; Andrew Morley, 2022 IASC Champion for PSEAH -
UN and partners working together to respond to ever-growing and more complex challenges - GHO 2022
Recent documents
-
Afghanistan Humanitarian Response Plan 2022 (Issued January 2022) Published Date -
Statement on Afghanistan, Mr. Martin Griffiths, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Published Date -
Global Humanitarian Overview 2022 Published Date -
IASC Forward Agenda, 2021 Published Date -
Statement by Gavi and Principals of the IASC to Deliver COVID-19 Vaccines to the Most Vulnerable People in the World Published Date