Unsubscribe
View in your browser
ICVA Network
ICVA BULLETIN

Highlights from February 2020
 
Message from Executive Director
Adapting to today’s disruptor

This is an editorial on organisational resilience and how global disruptors are opportunities to adapt our ways of working.  Not on the COVID-19! 

The COVID-19 is however inescapable.

But rather than running for cover, putting discussions and actions on hold, or attempting to bulldoze through, we have decided at ICVA to listen, learn and adapt in a way that works for ICVA’s mission and for our future as a network. 

Disruptors help us challenge preconceptions and ask essential questions. 

Last week, we launched the ICVA 2030 consultation process. How do we shape our future collective action?  How do our directions for the next 10 years respond primarily to needs and the changing external environment?

ICVA has also made a shift to put in place ICVA's first Virtual Annual Conference taking place on 18 March, replacing the face-to-face meeting. Follow online how we are shaping the programme to host inspiring discussions on risk to principled humanitarian action and in turn the risks taken by NGOs to deliver effective and efficient humanitarian assistance to those most in need.

While it’s true that face-to-face interaction has qualities that don’t translate directly to a virtual environment, we still aim to capture high quality interaction with our online programme. 

Environmentally conscious, we will continue increasing our online initiatives to connect, inform and enable ICVA members to share and learn from each other. ICVA will create opportunities for dialogue between ICVA members and other NGOs and with States, private sector, UN Agencies and multilateral agencies on how to mitigate challenges and support NGOs to deliver on their humanitarian and human rights mandate.

Having the ability to adapt is crucial in our ever-changing environment and ICVA is proud to exercise our agility.


Ignacio Packer
Executive Director | ICVA
 
ICVA Updates
 
 

Don’t travel to Geneva, participate remotely to the Virtual ICVA Annual Conference!  
 
1. ICVA’s Virtual Annual Conference, 18 March 2020  
While many meetings in the sector are being cancelled due to the Coronavirus outbreak, ICVA is proud to put in place its first Virtual Annual Conference taking place on 18 March 2020.

All are welcome to REGISTER for ICVA’s Virtual Annual Conference happening on 18 March. There will be three webinars facilited through PHAP.

9:00-:10:30 Session 1: Principles at Risk

14:00-15:30 Session 2: What Risks?

16:00-17:45 Session 3: What's Next?

The agenda and additional information can be found on the ICVA website.  
Register now!
Rescheduled - Membership day & Partner day
Participants are also offered different ways of engaging in revised programmes to replace - over the next months - the initially planned Geneva-based Members Day and Partners Day.  The revised programme replaces all face-to-face events and meetings in Geneva from 17- 19 March. 
 
ICVA 2030
2. ICVA is planning a new strategy to propose at our General Assembly in April 2021. This strategy will be shaping the future of the ICVA Network. In order to create a well-informed strategy, focusing on humanitarian concerns that are relevant to our members and stakeholders, we need your input! 
 
To participate in ICVA 2030 you can: 
- Fill out the ICVA 2030 survey: English or French
- Record a 90 second video giving your feedback. On camera answer the question, "What should ICVA focus on for the 2030 Strategy?" Here is how to record a video 
- Send us a written submission giving your feedback 
- Participate in ICVA webinars & meetings (dates to come) 

For more information on ICVA 2030, see our Strategic Development Document or contact communications@icvanetwork.org 
 
Forced migration
 3. The High-Level Panel on Internal Displacement  
Last year, The UN Secretary General announced the establishment of a High‑Level Panel on Internal Displacement to focus on concrete long-term solutions to and raising global awareness of internal displacement. In early 2020, ICVA worked to ensure the Panel, it’s Secretariat and the Expert Advisory Group benefit from inputs from ICVA members, other NGOs and civil society at large. 
  
In that sense, ICVA organised three meetings this month with NGOs, two among its members and the third one, on 19 February, with the Head of the High-Level Panel, Assistant Secretary-General Mr. George Okoth-Obbo and his colleagues. On this occasion, NGOs and the Secretariat exchanged on the objectives of the Panel and how NGOs might contribute over the next 12 months. Notes from those meetings are available to members on ICVA website. 
  
The High-Level Panel was officially launched during its inaugural meeting in Geneva from 25-27 February. On this occasion, NGOs were invited along with UN agencies, and other Civil Society stakeholders to take part in a meeting with the High-Level Panel. An ICVA coordinated statement was delivered on that occasion. Thanks to the ICVA members who provided their inputs. More information on the High-Level Panel and ICVA related work is available on ICVA’s website. For more information, contact: jerome.elie@icvanetwork.org 

4. The Global Refugee Forum  
On 12 February, ICVA organised a debriefing meeting on the Forum between NGOs and the UNHCR GRF Team including Mr. Daniel Endres and Ms. Perveen Ali. On this occasion, participants exchanged preliminary views and assessments on the outcomes of the Forum and next steps. The UNHCR GRF Team also provided information related to the functionalities of the digital platform’s Dashboard, which has gathered all pledges made through the GRF. The Dashboard has been updated by UNHCR and a guidance note is now available to help navigate the Dashboard. 
 
On 19 February, UNHCR organised the first informal briefing on the follow-up to the Global Refugee Forum. Other informal meetings will follow throughout the year. During the briefing UNHCR noted the meaningful NGO engagement as well as the high number of pledges made during the Forum. ICVA took the floor to reiterate its continued engagement to support NGOs in the follow-up and implementation phase of the GRF. 
More information is available on UNHCR dedicated webpage including the PowerPoint presentation. Notes from those two meetings will soon be shared with ICVA members.
For more information contact: jerome.elie@icvanetwork.org and Loise.dairocheteau@icvanetwork.org

5. Consultation of the UN Network on Migration for Asia and the Pacific with Civil Society and other Stakeholders ICVA attended a consultation meeting on 19 February organised by UN Network on Migration on the review of implementation of the global compact for migration (GCM) in Asia and the Pacific. Challenges and questions were raised during the consultation, particularly regarding how NGOs can engage in the GCM in the region more effectively and meaningfully. NGOs provided inputs to the work plan and priorities for the GCM implementation in Asia and the pacific. 
 
Financing
6. IASC Humanitarian Financing Results Group (RG5): 
A sub-group within RG5 has been formed to assess how to improve participation and contributions from local and national NGO partners within the group. Two general proposals are currently under development:
1. To improve direct participation in the working meetings of the group.
2. To ensure that national partners are included in the planning of deliverables.
This type of engagement should go beyond inclusion in data collection, and include participation in planning, field visits, workshops, etc.

The next meeting of the IASC Humanitarian Finance Results Group will be 25 March.
If you have a specific interest in playing a representative role in the group from the local or national perspective, please contact jeremy.rempel@icvanetwork.org 

7. UN Harmonization:
Following the UNHCR-hosted consultation held in January between NGOs and UN agencies in Geneva on harmonization and simplification of UN systems linked to partnership, ICVA is working on a proposal with UNHCR to improve understanding of partnership issues at the country office and regional levels. This work will focus on improving the technical aspects of partnership associated with development and fulfilment of UNHCR PPAs.
Additional follow-up is also underway with NGOs participating in the dialogue to ensure the momentum gained during the January consultation continues in 2020. The ICVA Humanitarian Finance Working Group will continue to prioritize harmonization and simplification of donor conditions this year. For more information, contact: alon.plato@icvanetwork.org
 
Coordination
Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) 

8. IASC  Emergency Directors Group (EDG):   
On 4 February, the EDG held its Annual Review of Operations looking at key challenges and support needed for 24 humanitarian operations across the different regions. It was also time to identify and discuss about cross-cutting issues that are affecting humanitarian actions. This day was followed by a second closed-door meeting on 5 February to discuss about the performance appraisal of Humanitarian Coordinators.  

On 24 February, the EDG had a call to discuss about the operational impact of the COVID-19 on humanitarian operations. 

There are a number of resources available regarding precautions and support: 

 9. Country and regional updates from humanitarian leadership: On 12 February, ICVA hosted a meeting with Edem Wosornu, Head of OCHA in Nigeria, to exchange on the humanitarian situation and response in the country.  
10. Update on IASC  Results groups (RG): 
RG 1 - Operational response:  
On 12 February, the IASC RG1 updated its members about the activities undertaken by the different sub-groups. Note that in addition to centrality of protection, addressing bureaucratic impediments, support of humanitarian leadership, the IASC early warning and early action analysis, the RG1 is now focusing on two additional priorities: supporting efforts to operationalise localization, including representation of relevant national and local organizations in coordination structures and joint system.
Wide operational guidance on data responsibility.  
 
RG 2 - Accountability and inclusion: No updates this month. 
 
RG 3 - Collective advocacy:   
The RG3 met on 7 February to update its membership on the work of its different subgroups. The climate change and humanitarian action group met and organised a workshop during the Humanitarian Network and Partnership Week in Geneva, defined its three main objectives and started to design a workplan accordingly. Its current goal is to develop common messaging and align language between climate change and humanitarian discussions. In addition, a sub-group active on counter terrorism measures that should also include experts on the topic is currently taking place.  
 
RG 4 - Nexus:
On 13 February ICVA and WFP co-facilitated the IASC RG4 Community of Practice on the Nexus, hosting Peter Medway, on the IASC Light Guidance on the Collective Outcomes. Participants had the opportunity to exchange on the subject during the session, highlighting results and aspects to be monitored once the guidance is adopted.  
 
RG 5 - Humanitarian Finance: See update above under ‘Financing’. 

11. Political Declaration to Address the Humanitarian Impact of the Use of Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas
The second round of informal consultation on ‘Protecting Civilians in Urban Warfare’ was held in Geneva, chaired by Ambassador Michael Gaffey of Ireland. A draft document on Elements of a Political Declaration issued in January served as basis for discussions. The consultation heard interventions from delegations including Member States, UN agencies, the International Committee of the Red Cross and civil society. ICVA co-signed to the Inter-Agency Submission asking for clear and unequivocal commitment to avoid the use of explosive weapons with wide-area effects in populated areas and to develop operational policy based on a presumption against such use, as recommended by the United Nations Secretary-General. The full list of statements submitted can be found here. The next consultations will take place on 23-24 March and 26 - 27 March 2020 in Geneva. For more information contact: Mirela.shuteriqi@icvanetwork.org 
 
 
Navigating change: cross cutting issues
12. Inclusion of persons with disabilities 
The Inclusion of People with Disabilities in Humanitarian Action Network held several meetings during the Humanitarian Networks and Partnerships Week in Geneva. They included the “Geneva Launch of the IASC Disability Guidelines” and “Towards disability-inclusion: what the IASC Guidelines offer”.  
Speaking at the launch event, ICVA Executive Director called for a continued partnership approach in ensuring implementation of the Guidelines on the ground and emphasised the need to listen to persons with disabilities. Other important next steps agreed was the ongoing investment in training and capacity development as well as the activation of the reference group on Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Humanitarian Action. A detailed summary of the discussions can be found here.
13. Civil society space in humanitarian action  
ICVA Working Group on civil society space  in humanitarian action: ICVA’s new working group for members only to share information, lessons learned, best practice and tools related to NGO/civil society space in humanitarian action. For members interested in joining the group, contact: nishanie.jayamaha@icvanetwork.org  
14. Humanitarian Development Nexus 
On 27 February, in Geneva, ICVA participated in the UNDRR Global Consultative Workshop – Scaling up disaster risk reduction (DRR) in Humanitarian/Development Contexts.  ICVA partipated in this one day workshop which in particular looked at UNDRR's Recommdnations for scaling up disaster risk reduction in humanitarian response. ICVA Africa representative presented on how humanitarians can integrate development and resilience programming especially in the context of Africa. ICVA will share further information through the ICVA Nexus working group. 
 
ICVA Nexus working group is growing, with new members joining in January and February. If you are a member of ICVA and interested in getting updates and in identifying opportunities to shape the Nexus approach, contact: marco.rotelli@icvanetwork.org 
 
Region Specific
15. Asia and the Pacific  

Australasian Aid Conference 17-19 February: 
ICVA’s Regional Representative attended the Australasian Aid Conference in Canberra, and joined a panel discussion for the launch of the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID) and Humanitarian Reference Group (HRG) policy report Fit for the Future: Priorities for Australia’s Humanitarian Action. The report pushes for maximizing the impact of Australia’s humanitarian action in response to the challenges, changes and opportunities facing the international humanitarian sector. It discusses how the Australian Government might realign its policy and programs to continue to support people in the greatest need of humanitarian assistance and live up to the ambition of the World Humanitarian Summit. The report was developed by the HRG’s 22 Australian humanitarian agency members, with ICVA providing external review. 
ASEAN High-Level Symposium on Disaster Management 2020:
This ASEAN High-Level Symposium brought together sectoral stakeholders and partners to develop a pool of ideas to the ACDM and other sectoral bodies concerned in developing a whole-of-society approach to managing natural disasters in the region. ICVA’s Regional Representative participated in a panel discussion on Strengthening Community Resilience and Multi-stakeholder Partnerships and made 5 key recommendations for how to advance the localization agenda in ASEAN, for how to advance the localization agenda in ASEAN, including to support meaningful capacity strengthening and partnerships and improve accountability to local communities.

ICVA’s panel session at Humanitarian Networks and Partnerships Week:
ICVA organised a panel session “More Inclusive Coordination for The Global South” at the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) “Humanitarian Networks and Partnerships Week” on 5 February 2020 in Geneva. During the panel, humanitarian organisations from Turkey, Indonesia and China shared their experiences in working with the international humanitarian coordination system and their ways of working to respond to international humanitarian crisis from a Global South perspective. The panelists also discussed how they interact and develop relationships with local societies, partnerships, and other international humanitarian aid actors. 
UNHCR Regional NGO Consultations for Asia-Pacific: UNHCR Regional Bureau for Asia-Pacific have confirmed the UNHCR Regional NGO Consultations will take place on 8-9 April 2020, in Bangkok. The theme will be: "Innovative Opportunities through Diverse Partnerships.”  

For more information on ICVA Asia, contact: Qingrui.Huang@icvanetwork.org
16. Africa Region
UNHCR- NGOs Regional Consultations for Africa:  
ICVA is working with the three UNHCR Regional Bureaus for Africa in Dakar, Nairobi and Pretoria, to discuss the regional consultations with NGOs and the potential for collaboration. The results of the discussions will be shared with NGOs when they are available.  
 
Humanitarian Access and Bureaucratic impediments: ICVA has intensified the work with the NGO Fora on the specific aspect of NGO laws and their impact on humanitarian affairs throughout the continent. In several cases NGOs laws propose a mix of opportunities and concerning restrictions. ICVA is working to open a dialogue with governments to provide elements aimed at preserving civil society space and respect of humanitarian principles.  
 
African Union theme of the year:
ICVA is participating and contributing to work linked to the 2020 AU theme of the year, “Silencing the Guns: Creating Conducive Conditions for Africa’s Development.” ICVA shared NGO views in a number of events that where organised simultaneously to the AU summit held in February. ICVA also participated in workshops linking the theme from last year (2019) to this year. 
 
For more information on the ICVA Africa programmes contact: marco.rotelli@icvanetwork.org and addis.tesfa@ icvanetwork.org 
17. MENA Region

Localization:
ICVA MENA participated in a number of meetings around localization with members, partners, NGOs, local NGO Fora, local NGOs coalition and donors. ICVA shared our recently published paper “Unpacking Localization,” and what it means for a country like Jordan. Members and partners also had the opportunity to discuss progress, challenges and required support to empower local actors and to having a more inclusive ecosystem.  
  
ICVA participated at the 2nd Riyadh Humanitarian Forum 1-2 March:
Attended by key actors from UN agencies, private sectors, academic institutions and INGOs participated in the two day conference.  
The conference facilitated discussions on a number of humanitarian issues. Including:  
-  Bridging the gaps between the humanitarian and development sector to achieve more sustainable results; 
-  Finding innovative and effective solutions to the challenges in humanitarian health assistance;  
-  Mass migration flows from Africa across the seas to the gulf states and Europe; 
-  Communicable disease in Humanitarian context.  
Detailed notes to be shared with members soon in March.  
 
New report from CARE: Supporting Resilience in Syria – Women’s Experience of the Conflict, and the ‘New Normal’. This report pulls together threads from two waves of research (Understanding Resilience: Perspectives from Syrians and Syrian Refugee Women’s Roles) that seek to understand the way families and communities in Syria have coped with the repeated shocks they had and continue to experience to this day. 

For more information on ICVA MENA contact: Eman.ismail@icvanetwork.org
 
Learning Opportunities
18. Recent webinar:
The Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) recently endorsed the Guidelines Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Humanitarian Action. How can these guidelines help make humanitarian action more inclusive? On 26 February, ICVA and PHAP together with the IASC and the Reference Group on Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Humanitarian Action, organised a webinar that introduced the Guidelines and discussed how they can be implemented in practice. The recording of the webinar is available here. 

19. Furthering education:  
The humanitarian landscape is constantly changing and the need for training for humanitarian professionals is ongoing. CERAH (the Centre for Education & Research in Humanitarian Action) based in Geneva, reflects this in their academic programmes, offering a range of short and longer courses, both residential and distance learning, looking at various aspects of humanitarian action, including health, sexual violence, negotiation, programme management and the impact of climate change.  They also offer some scholarships to students from lower income countries. For those interested, see their course programme online.   
20. ICVA Member, Community World Service Asia, recently released a booklet on Quality and Accountability for Project Cycle Management. The Booklet promotes shared decision making at all phases of the programming cycles. 
 
21. ICVA’s Learning opportunities and resources page:
ICVA’s learning resource page is a curated list of online and face-to-face (when available) learning and training programmes. Please share with us any interesting opportunities that would be useful to include on the webpage. For more information contact: nishanie.jayamaha@icvanetwork.org 
 
 
New and noteworthy

22. Resources for the Sphere Handbook: 
The Sphere Secretariat is working on a range of implementation resources for the Sphere Handbook. A first Thematic Sheet on “the environmental impact of humanitarian response” was recently published. Sphere is now working on guidance focusing on “Using the Sphere Standards in Urban Settings”. The new guide will concentrate on Sphere’s four technical chapters and will include additional tools and approaches for urban response. If you want to get involved and comment on the latest draft, contact: Aninia.Nadig@spherestandards.org 
 
23. Reflecting on experience and good practices in applying the 11 principles in the CFS-FFA:
You can help shape the background paper for a Global Thematic Event on the Framework for Action for Food Security and Nutrition in Protracted Crises (CFS-FFA)  at the Committee on World Food Security in October 2020. The paper aims to capture developments since the framework was approved in October 2015. At the time, the framework sought to mobilise high level commitment and promote coordinated multi-stakeholder processes to improve the food security and nutrition of populations affected by or, at risk of, protracted crisis. For more information see the CFS website and inputs should be sent to cfs@fao.org 
Deadline for submissions are 31 March 2020.  
Mark your agenda
 

March 2-4 : World Bank Fragility Forum, Washington DC - Postponed 
March 3: IASC RG3 meeting Collective Advocacy, Geneva 
March 4: IASC RG5 meeting Humanitarian Financing, Geneva 
March 10-12: 77th UNHCR Standing Committee, Geneva 
March 18: ICVA's Virtual Annual Conference 2020  - Register now!
March 25-26: OECD Global Anti-Corruption & Integrity Forum
March 31: IASC RG5 meeting Humanitarian Financing, Geneva 

April 8-9: Asia-Pacific UNHCR Regional NGO Consultations, Bangkok
April 22-23: InterAction Forum 2020, Washington DC
April 28: State of Humanitarian Professions, Geneva 

May 7-8: European Network on Statelessness Conference: Addressing Statelessness in Europe, Spain 

June 9-11: 2020 ECOSOC Humanitarian Affairs Segment 
June 12: OCHA Pooled Fund Working Group, New York 
June  17-19: UNHCR-NGO Annual Consultations, Geneva
June 20: World Refugee Day
June 25: Grand Bargain Annual Meeting, Geneva
June 26: IASC Principals Meeting, Geneva 

July 7-9: 78th UNHCR Standing Committee, Geneva 
August 19: World Humanitarian Day
September 16-17: 79th UNHCR Standing Committee, Geneva 
October 5-9: 71st UNHCR Executive Committee, Geneva 
December 14: UNHCR’s 70th Anniversary 
ICVA
Humanitarian Hub
16 La Voie-Creuse
Geneva, CH 1202
Switzerland
secretariat@icvanetwork.org

Unsubscribe


You are receiving this email because you have subscribed to the ICVA mailing list. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more information about our privacy practices please visit our website.