The IRC Supports Reform of the Humanitarian System and the United Nations

The United Nations (UN) is in the midst of a large reform effort that affects many aspects of its work. Many of these reforms directly impact the mission of the International Rescue Committee (IRC) as we work closely with UN agencies, intergovernmental organizations and national authorities in saving lives, protecting and helping victims of conflict and rebuilding societies recovering from war.

The IRC participates in some of the reforms that were recommended by the Humanitarian Response Review, an independent report commissioned by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and published in August 2005. These proposed reforms include:

- Establishing a “cluster approach” to fill gaps in humanitarian assistance and improve accountability, predictability and reliability;

- Recruiting more experienced UN humanitarian coordinators to lead life-saving efforts in a country and serve as spokespeople for those in need—particularly in countries where the UN resident representative’s deep involvement in policy discussions can distract from or compete with his or her role coordinating relief;

- Expanding a central UN fund that will jump-start life-saving relief operations in emergencies and provide crucial funding for lesser-known and under-funded crises. 

Learn More

IRC Position Paper: Reform of the Humanitarian System and the UN [PDF]