Last month, August 2019, Mercy Hands became a member of ICVA, the global network of non-governmental organisations whose based in Geneva and its mission is to make humanitarian action more principled and effective by working collectively and independently to influence policy and practice.
This month, Mercy Hands, and in coordination with ICVA, joined the Results Group 4 (RG4), which is one of IASC's mechanisms. IASC (The Inter-Agency Standing Committee) is a forum for key UN and non-UN humanitarian agencies, and it is considered the primary mechanism for inter-agency coordination of humanitarian assistance. IASC’s full members are: UNDP, UNFPA, UNICEF, UNHCR, WFP, FAO, WHO,UN-HABITAT, OCHA, and IOM. In addition to the full members, IASC has Standing Invitees, namely, ICRC, IFRC, OHCHR, the Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of IDPs, and the World Bank. ICVA is also invited on a permanent basis to attend. ICVA has asked Mercy Hands to join at the table of Results Group 4 and represent itself for its valuable humanitarian experience in the region of Middle East.
Technical experts from the IASC members come together in Results Groups to tackle policy challenges under the IASC Strategic Priorities. They work to develop common narratives and policies and to establish best practice using their collective expertise. Results Group 4 on Humanitarian-Development Collaboration focuses on strengthening links and synergies between humanitarian and development actions/programmes, with linkages to peace as relevant, with a view to maximizing long-term impact while safeguarding humanitarian space and principles. Thematic issues: 1) Reduce risks and vulnerabilities to affected populations by working towards collective outcomes; and 2) Support the Humanitarian-Development Nexus and its linkages to peace
Ms. Michela Maccabruni, the Regional Coordinator in Europe, represents Mercy Hands at the table of Results Group 4.
Results Group 4 next meeting is in October 7 in Geneva.