Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC)

Established in 1992, the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) is the primary forum for coordinating humanitarian assistance among UN and non-UN partners during complex emergencies. Chaired by the Emergency Relief Coordinator, it includes all major UN humanitarian agencies, along with standing invitees such as the ICRC, IFRC, IOM, UNHCHR, the Representative of the Secretary-General on IDPs, the World Bank, and three NGO consortia. The IASC meets biannually to set system-wide policies, establish ethical frameworks, advocate humanitarian principles, identify operational gaps, and resolve inter-agency disputes. Its work is supported by a Working Group that convenes four to six times per year.