Intersos

INTERSOS is a non-profit humanitarian aid organization that works to assist victims of natural disaster and armed conflict. INTERSOS has operated as an independent organization since its foundation in 1992, its humanitarian actions are based on values of solidarity, justice, human dignity, respect for diversity, and equal rights and opportunities for all people, especially the most vulnerable. Through its own humanitarian operators, INTERSOS intervenes to answer the needs of people in serious crises situations, mainly in the world's poorest regions, who are suffering, deprived of rights, dignity and essentials goods. A Mine Action Unit was established within INTERSOS to deal specifically with the mine danger and its effects through mine awareness, victims assistance and mine clearance operations.

INTERSOS identifies with the core values of CONCORD, the European Confederation of NGOs; it adheres to international codes of conduct for humanitarian organizations and the values and principles expressed within those codes.

INTERSOS is recognized by the Italian Ministry for Foreign Affairs, the European Commission and the principal UN agencies; it holds an advisory status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

Mission

INTERSOS identifies with the following mission :

To provide immediate response in humanitarian crises by bringing emergency relief to the victims of armed conflict, drought, famine, the presence of landmines or unexploded devices, and other disaster situations.
To begin working to promote a return to normal living conditions in post disaster and post conflict situations; to promote dialogue and peacebuilding between members of civil society, and support reconstruction and growth of affected communities and regions.
To stimulate, encourage and involve Italian society in helping to develop and spread the existing culture of solidarity and international justice.

Principles of Humanitarian Action

"HOMO SUM, NIHIL HUMANI A ME ALIENUM PUTO"(Terence, 195-159 BC)

A Latin phrase meaning "I AM A HUMAN BEING,SO NOTHING HUMAN IS STRANGE TO ME" is the foundation for primary principles under which INTERSOS operates. It is an affirmation of the organization's core principles of equality, justice, peace, solidarity and the duty of every human being to help all those who are in need or suffering and doing this in a way that is not influenced by considerations or convictions of an ulterior nature.

INTERSOS defines the following principles as the ones with which they operate:

Humanity:

The principle of humanity means that humankind shall be treated humanely in all circumstances by saving lives and alleviating suffering, while ensuring respect for the individual. It is the fundamental principle of humanitarian response

Impartiality:

The victim, in the eyes of INTERSOS, is to be of utmost importance in every circumstance, irrespective of any political, religious or social differences or beliefs. Its humanitarian activities are implemented in an impartial manner to whatever population or persons are at risk, or serious need. This does not inhibit INTERSOS from identifying the people or institutions responsible for specific catastrophic events, natural or as a result of human actions, or from taking a public stance on the matter.

Independence:

INTERSOS is not controlled by any political, ideological, national or international authority. This freedom of thought and opinion enables INTERSOS to denounce all human rights violations and every form of injustice and transgression, while not being unduly influenced. The same principle of independence determines the standards by which financial supporters, both private and public, are chosen.

Without Borders

INTERSOS works in strict adherence to the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the European Convention on Human Rights: it does not distinguish or discriminate in any way or form based on the race, gender, religious belief, nationality, ethnic origin or class of people who are in need of help.

Cultural Sensitivity:

INTERSOS develops its interventions by setting in place methods and behaviour that are in complete respect of local cultural and religious traditions.

Transparency:

INTERSOS operates with financial support from public and private donors. The budget for every project is verified by public financial experts and certified by financial auditors. The annual budget is certified and made available to the public.

Local participation and Capacity Building:

INTERSOS always places the value and dignity of human beings at the center of its activities. For this reason it immediately involves the local population in its activities, developing and strengthening the capabilities and expertise of individuals and the community and gradually eliminating dependence on external help. Its relationship with local populations is founded on listening, dialogue, exchange and participation.

Professionalism in Solidarity:

INTERSOS considers solidarity and professionalism to be two indispensable and indivisible components in its humanitarian work; they are essential elements in responding in a humane and effective manner to the needs of a population.

Current Activities

Providing emergency relief in crisis situations to civilian populations through the distribution of food and basic needs items, water, health, protection and the safeguarding of human rights, with particular attention paid to more vulnerable groups.
Assisting refugees and internally displaced persons: organization and management of refugee camps and reception centers.
Supporting the return of refugees and displaced persons. Assisting in the reconstruction of housing and community services, the restarting of economic activities and the democratic process. Fostering the growth of local potential and training courses.
The functional rehabilitation of social structures and public services: hospitals, treatment centers,schools, wells and aqueducts, housing.
Humanitarian mine clearance activities: the clearance of lands contaminated with mines, cluster bombs and other unexploded devices; Mine Risk Education concerning the dangers posed by landmines and other unexploded devices; the physical rehabilitation of landmine victims
Promoting the resumption of dialogue, peace and reconciliation.

Countries of Operation

Bolded countries indicate programs that are currently in operation

AFRICA: Angola, Burundi, Chad, Democratic Republic of The Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Liberia, Mauritania, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Somalia, Sudan (Darfur and South Sudan)

CENTRAL AMERICA: El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Haiti

ASIA AND THE MIDDLE EAST: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Pakistan, Syria, Sri Lanka, Yemen

EUROPE: Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Chechnya (Russian Federation), Kosovo, Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Poland, Serbia.

Funding

Part of INTERSOS's funding comes from its own members and from donations made by individuals, associations, social organisations, solidarity groups and businesses. Most of its funding comes from various public bodies: the European Union, ECHO (the Humanitarian Office of the European Commission), the Italian Government and other International Governments, FAO, OCHA, UNDP, UNHCR, UNICEF, UNMAS, UNOPS, WFP, WHO, Italian Regions, Provinces and City Councils. The Italian Federation of Trade Unions has been a constant supporter of INTERSOS. AUSER (www.auser.it) also is a supporter of INTERSOS. The budget, which amounts to approximately 16 million Euros a year, is certified by a leading public auditing firm.

Networks and Affiliations

LINK 2007 A network of 11 Italian NGOs that promotes lobbying and advocacy initiatives. Together they undertake campaigns for the purpose of improving and extending operational opportunities, and the quality and importance of development cooperation; strengthening the knowledge, values and specific expertise of the NGOs involved .
AGIRE (Italian Emergency Response Agency) is a coordination of twelve of the most influential and accredited Italian non-governmental organisations which have chosen to unite their efforts to intervene in a timely manner on serious humanitarian emergencies. It is a permanent forum that groups together Italian non-profit organisations dedicated to social action .
CONCORD European NGO Confederation for relief and development (represented by the Italian NGOs) .

References

"INTERSOS". http://www.intersos.org/en. External link in |work= (help); Missing or empty |url= (help); |access-date= requires |url= (help)

External links

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