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
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Deputies GroupShaping strategic decisions — The Deputies Group focuses on strategic issues of common interest.
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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. -
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Task ForcesSetting the standard — The OPAG convenes Task Forces of experts from across the IASC community who develop coordinated best-practice for the humanitarian system. -
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Emergency Directors GroupOne response — The Emergency Directors Group takes action to ensure a collective, targeted response to humanitarian needs on the ground. -
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IASC secretariatSupport and facilitation — The IASC secretariat facilitates collaboration, communication, decision-making and implementation of activities across various IASC platforms. -
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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.
Recent news
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Window of opportunity to prevent famine in Somalia is closing, Principals of Inter-Agency Standing Committee warn -
Martin Griffiths, ERC releases $10 million from Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to scale up drought response in Somalia -
Martin Griffiths on World Humanitarian Day: 'I still hold onto hope' -
System-wide Scale-Up protocols activated in Somalia -
UN humanitarian leaders call for the renewal of cross-border aid authorisation to north-west Syria
Recent documents
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Statement by Principals of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee on Famine in Somalia Published Date -
Summary Record, IASC Principals Ad Hoc Meeting on Somalia, 11 August 2022 Published Date -
UN humanitarian leaders call for the renewal of cross-border aid authorisation to north-west Syria Published Date -
IASC Forward Agenda, 2022 Published Date -
Summary Record, IASC Principals Bi-Annual Meeting, 16 May 2022 Published Date