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 19 organizations and consortia 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.
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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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Building a Better World Together: The Future of Humanitarian Action -
Humanitarian Networks and Partnerships Weeks (HNPW) Events 2024 -
Statement by IASC Principal Advocate for Haiti and UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell on the situation in Haiti -
UN relief chief: As crisis enters fifth month, further fighting in Rafah risks claiming more lives and exacerbating humanitarian needs -
Reena Ghelani, new Climate Crisis Coordinator for the El Niño / La Niña Response
Recent documents
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IASC Management Response to the Independent Review of the Humanitarian Responses to Internal Displacement Published Date -
Open Letter to the Member States of the UN General Assembly, on behalf of the IASC Principals Published Date -
IASC Forward Agenda, 2024 Published Date -
Statement by Principals of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee: No time to lose as famine stalks millions in Sudan amid intense fighting and access denials Published Date -
Statement by Principals of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee on the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Crushing levels of violence, displacement fuel unprecedented civilian suffering Published Date