Quality and Accountability to disaster survivors

[ero...@hapinternational.org]

Dear Colleagues, as mentioned in the recent ER meeting I have attached
the HAP Principles of Accountability, and a document outlining points
to consider in terms of quality and accountability to disaster
survivors. This is designed to support agencies who are considering
what strengthening accountability during the Cyclone Sidr response can
mean in practice. It is hoped the areas outlined in this document
will help senior managers make informed judgments about striking an
optimum balance between the adoption of good practices of
accountability and the need to act quickly.

Improving accountability to disaster survivors is linked to improving
quality of humanitarian response. Accountability is crucial in
strengthening our collective ability to address immediate needs in a
way that affirms the dignity of affected populations, and that
supports disaster-affected communities in taking control of their
lives.

Accountability and quality management puts the disaster survivors at
the centre of emergency work, ensuring they are involved in the
process of decision-making, informed about plans, and have a means to
raise concerns if needed. It also ensures sufficient resources and
skilled staff are available to meet the commitments made by the
agency, and that lessons learnt are swiftly incorporated back into
programme design.

If you would like additional information, a copy of the Principles of
Accountability in Bengali, or details about HAP's plans for engagement
in Bangladesh please do contact me (ero...@hapinternational.org).

Best wishes,
Emily

Emily Rogers
HAP - Humanitarian Accountability Partnership