New Emergencies

Accountable when and where it counts

The New Emergencies Policy (or NEP for short) is a commitment by HAP member agencies to make to special collective efforts to apply the HAP Principles of Accountability from the beginning of all new humanitarian emergencies. The Protocol for the Implementation of the New Emergencies Policy sets out a simple mechanism for putting this commitment into practice, and exploring the case for collective action.

**NEW**A quick checklist for field staff to enable them to review current status and identify action needed to strengthern quality and accountability in a new emergency: Quality and Accountability in New Emergencies, Quick Reference for Staff

What is a “new emergency”?

The Protocol defines “humanitarian emergency” as an “urgent response designed to save lives subject to imminent threat”. New emergencies are recent and significant increases in vulnerability. They can be caused by natural disasters or deteriorating security, as well as by forced displacements and continuing threats, which finally exhaust local coping strategies.

Why a “new emergencies policy”?

A core premise of HAP’s work is that humanitarian action is more likely to be effective when beneficiaries are able to express their needs and be heard. It follows that agencies need to work accountably from the beginning of an emergency and not just when decisions are being implemented and evaluated. Media attention is also greatest during the first few days and weeks of an emergency, providing opportunities for agencies to demonstrate their good (or bad) practices.

Who does the NEP apply to and where?

The NEP has been endorsed by the General Assembly and approved by the Board so it applies to all HAP member agencies operating in any new emergency. That said, the implementation of the NEP is not automatic it must be initiated by a member agency or the Secretariat, and is voluntary.

How does the NEP work?

The Protocol for the implementation of the NEP foresees a process whereby HAP member agencies or the Secretariat can initiate a teleconference meeting of member agency focal points with 48 hours notice if a new emergency has occurred or is imminent. During this meeting focal points will discuss major opportunities for, and challenges to, promoting accountability during the emergency, and explore options for action. Action for strengthening accountability may include the following joint activities:

project appraisals and implementation – e.g. joint beneficiary information system
capacity building for staff
awareness raising of accountability issues among stakeholders
learning activities – e.g. peer reviews, beneficiary focus group discussions, joint evaluations
quality management support - e.g. shared complaints handling system
Preparedness activities – e.g. accountability capacity building for staff

In 2007 the NEP Protocol was invoked a number of times including in response to re-newed fighting in Somalia, multiple impending humanitarian emergencies (in South Asia, Zimbabwe, Peru, and the Middle East), and Cyclone Sidr in Bangladesh.