The Sphere Project is an initiative to determine and promote standards by which the global community responds to the plight of people affected by disasters.<br><br>With this <i>Handbook</i>, Sphere is working for a world in which the right of all people affected by disasters to re-establish their lives and livelihoods is recognized and acted upon in ways that respect their voice and promote their dignity and security.<br><br>This <i>Handbook</i> contains:<br>* <b>A Humanitarian Charter</b>: legal and moral principles which reflect the rights of disaster-affected populations<br>* <b>Protection Principles</b><br>* <b>Core Standards and Minimum Standards</b> in four key life-saving humanitarian sectors: Water supply, sanitation and hygiene promotion; Food security and nutrition; Shelter, settlement and non-food items; Health action. They describe what needs to be achieved in a humanitarian response in order for disaster-affected populations to survive and recover in stable conditions and with dignity.<br><br><i>The Sphere Handbook</i> enjoys broad ownership by agencies and individuals, offering the humanitarian sector a common language for working together towards quality and accountability in disaster and conflict situations.<br><br><i>The Sphere Handbook</i> has a number of companion standards, extending its scope in response to needs that have emerged within the humanitarian sector.<br><br>The Sphere Project was initiated in 1997 by a number of humanitarian NGOs and the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.