Get support

The Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS) is a widely recognised framework for ensuring the quality and impact of humanitarian assistance across various emergency and crisis contexts. In response to the devastating earthquakes that shook Türkiye and Syria in February 2023, a dedicated Pilot Guide has been developed to assist organisations actively engaged in responding to sudden onset crises. The Pilot Guide was created with support from the H2H Network and funded by the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) and is available in English, Arabic and Turkish. Whether you’re new to the CHS or a seasoned practitioner, this guide offers valuable insights and practical advice for upholding its Commitments.

A pilot guide rooted in real responses

Applying the CHS: Lessons from Emergency Contexts Pilot Guide is not just a guide; it’s a collection of best practices and lessons learned from real-world sudden onset emergency situations. It has short and clear advice, related stories and links to the best resources to dive deeper into each topic.

A resource for all, regardless of CHS familiarity

Whether you’re a newcomer to the CHS or an experienced practitioner, this Pilot Guide has something to offer. For those unfamiliar with the CHS, it provides a comprehensive introduction and practical ideas to begin applying the Standard in your work while facing an unfolding crisis. If you’re already well-versed in the CHS, the guide offers practical examples and reflections to deepen your understanding and strengthen its application in your work.

Key areas of focus

Discover how to get started with essential aspects of the CHS, including:

• Participation of crisis-affected people in decision-making.
• Providing information to crisis-affected people.
• Establishing feedback and complaints mechanisms.
• Protecting crisis-affected people from sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment.
• Building community resilience.
• Capacity sharing and strengthening.
• Ensuring staff well-being.
• Collaborating effectively with partners.

Here’s what frontline responders in Türkiye have to say about the Pilot Guide:

Zeynep Sanduvac, Board Member, Nirengi Derneği: “The CHS provides a roadmap for excellence in humanitarian response. Let’s not be discouraged by the complexities of honouring these commitments when facing the pressure of a breaking emergency; instead, let’s see them as opportunities to elevate our standards and, ultimately, the outcomes for affected communities. The new Pilot Guide makes this easier.” Read Zeynep’s blog on the creation of the Pilot Guide.

Making our Commitments visible

To complement the Pilot Guide, we’ve created two posters summarising key learnings in accessible and clear messages for both humanitarian workers and those being supported. These posters are available in English, Arabic and Turkish.

Let us know what you think of this Pilot Guide and how we can improve a future version – complete this short feedback survey.