International Coordination of Humanitarian Assistance

Abstract

Over the last 20 years the world has witnessed an increase in the frequency and intensity of natural hazards, conflicts and complex emergencies resulting in rising humanitarian needs on an unprecedented scale. The humanitarian system is challenged by a multitude of trends and changes in the humanitarian landscape which make it increasingly difficult to operate within. Against this backdrop, the article argues that coordination of the humanitarian system was, is and will remain the central condition for effective, relevant and efficient humanitarian assistance. The article will first offer a brief overview of the origins of humanitarian coordination. It will then describe the reform efforts over the last 10 years and will outline current achievements, challenges and trends. The article will finish by summarizing Germany’s international commitment to humanitarian coordination and its support for the important initiative by the Secretary-General of the UN to hold the first ever World Humanitarian Summit in 2016.