While Sphere does not focus on minority rights specifically, but does articulate the principle of non-discrimination, affirming universal rights and minorities’ rights to enjoy their own culture, religion and language. Its Protection Principles note specific vulnerabilities which may accrue to religious or ethnic minority groups. And there is a further call to consider the specific risks of gender-based violence which women and girls belonging to minority groups may face. Shelter standards urge consideration of demographics including specific attention to minority groups which may have distinct household sizes and shelter requirements. Health standards specifically note the need to ensure staff represent the diversity of the population served, including recruiting staff from minority groups to improve access. Food security and livelihoods standards note the need to ensure economic access to markets, including where access may be restricted due to the political and security environment and/or cultural and religious considerations which could restrict minority access to these resources. While this is far from exhaustive, the underlying humanitarian principle of impartiality—providing assistance on the basis of need alone—requires that humanitarian actors respond in a way that considers the needs of all people affected by a crisis as they determine priorities. The exclusion of minorities from humanitarian assistance—or unintentionally reinforcing obstacles to their access to such assistance—undermines this fundamental principle and contributes to discrimination rather than supporting recovery. To advance humanitarian quality and accountability, non-discrimination and inclusion of all vulnerable groups is essential. Intersecting forms of discrimination must be recognized, and addressed. Sphere was established with two fundamental beliefs at its core: that all of those affected by crisis have a right to life with dignity and that all possible steps must be taken to alleviate suffering in these crises. This clearly is an inclusive approach which also recognizes specific vulnerabilities and specific capacities of minorities. While Sphere gives practical guidance to help make this approach a reality on the ground, we know there is always more work to be done to improve humanitarian action. Sphere will be launching a review of the standards early next year, and I invite you to join that conversation as we consult thousands of humanitarian practitioners, government representatives, civil society organizations, and others to ensure that an integrated and inclusive approach emerges stronger than ever. Together we can build a stronger application of the legal and normative frameworks in practice and improve the lives of minorities and of all those most in need. Thank you.

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