In the conditions of a full-scale war, humanitarian aid for thousands of families became a critical support. However, just as important as the very fact of providing assistance is how exactly it is provided. Adherence to humanitarian standards, the principles of protection, humanity and impartiality is the basis of responsible humanitarian response, which directly affects the quality and effectiveness of assistance, as well as the credibility of the organizations that provide this assistance.
It is on this approach that the project "Support in the livelihood of households from among IDPs and the local rural population affected by the war from among vulnerable categories of Shostky district of Sumy region" was built. It is implemented by the NGO team "Association for Democratic Development" together with the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) in Ukraine with the financial support of the Norwegian Government.
Humanitarian standards are designed to protect the dignity of every person in crisis. They mean that assistance is provided on the principle of need, not status, dating or residence. This is especially important in the communities of Shostky district, because both local residents and internally displaced persons live nearby, who, although they have different life experiences, found themselves in equally difficult conditions.
For the project team, humanitarian standards — are not formal rules, but the basis of daily work with people. During the implementation of the project, the team works a lot directly in communities — communicates, listens, clarifies needs. Particular attention is paid to the organization of registration processes and signing of contracts with project participants. They are built in such a way as not to humiliate and not to put a person in the position of a "beggar". Clear explanations, clear conditions of participation and openness in communication allow people to feel respect for themselves and their time. This is important, especially for those who suffered losses and had to leave their usual way of life.
One of the four principles of protection in humanitarian response is accountability. Therefore, an important part of the project team's work is the collection of feedback from project participants. During the project, people received leaflets with contact information from the NGO "Association for Democratic Development" and the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) in Ukraine, using which they can ask questions, clarify details or share their impressions and experience of participating in the project. In addition, the team carries out monitoring visits and PDM surveys of project participants.
The comprehensive approach of the project team in compliance with humanitarian standards ensures transparency of activities, strengthens trust and gives the project participant an understanding that everyone's needs are important and will be taken into account.
The project is implemented by the NGO "Association of Democratic Development" together with Норвезька рада у справах біженців (NRC) в Україні with the support of Norway.