(introduction...)

Published by:
The Sphere Project

PO Box 372, 17 chemin des Crêts, CH-1211 Geneva 19, Switzerland.
Tel: +41 22 730 4501 Fax: +41 22 730 4905
Email: sphere@ifrc.org Web: http://www.sphereproject.org

The Sphere Project is a programme of the Steering Committee for Humanitarian Response (SCHR) and InterAction with VOICE, ICRC: and ICVA. The project was launched in 1997 to develop a set of universal minimum standards in core areas of humanitarian assistance. The aim of the project is to improve the quality of assistance provided to people affected by disasters, and to enhance the accountability of the humanitarian system in disaster response. The Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Disaster Response are the product of the collective experience of many people and agencies. They should not therefore be seen as representing the views of any one agency. Contributors to the Sphere Project are listed in Annex 3.

First trial edition 1998 First final edition 2000

Oxfam Publishing ISBN 0-85598-445-7
Sphere Project ISBN 92-9139-059-3

A catalogue record for this publication is available from The British Library.

All rights reserved. This material is copyright but may be reproduced by any method without fee for teaching purposes hut not for resale. Formal permission is required for all such uses hut normally will be granted immediately. For copying in other circumstances or for re-use in other publications, or for translation or adaptation, prior written permission must he obtained from the copyright owner, and a fee may he payable.

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Editor: Isobel McConnan.
Designed by: DS Print and Redesign, London.
Printed by: Musumeci, Aosta, Italy.