Humanitarian Vocabulary

change in velocity with time; in seismology and in earthquake engineering,

it is expressed as a fraction of gravity (g), with reference to vibrations of the ground or of a

structure. (UN DHA)

• acceleration

• acceptance

the means by which individuals and organisations report to

a recognised authority, or authorities, and are held responsible for their actions

• discussion

• accountability

A programme of action comprising six specific goals to improve the

protection of refugees and asylum-seekers around the world, agreed by UNHCR and States

as part of the Global Consultations process, endorsed by the Executive Committee

• agenda for protection

• capacity

The set of activities necessary to

understand a given situation, entails the collection, up-dating and analysis of data pertaining

to the population of concern (needs, capacities, resources, etc.), as well as the state of

infrastructure and general socio-economic conditions in a given location/area.

• assessment

• local meeting

Aid that is controlled and spent by donor countries at their own

discretion. It may include staff, supplies, equipment, funding to receipt governments and

funding to NGOs.

• donation

• bilateral aid

A combination of all the strengths and resources available within a community,

society or organization that can reduce the level of risk, or the effects of a disaster.

• ability

• capacity

The system of measures, usually run by a governmental agency, to protect

the civilian population in wartime, to respond to disasters, and to prevent and mitigate the

RELIEFWEB GLOSSARY OF HUMANITARIAN TERMS

• civil defence

• civil society

essentially a “sectoral group” and there should be no differentiation

between the two in terms of their objectives and activities; the aim of filling gaps and

ensuring adequate preparedness and response should be the same.

• cluster

• partner group

common set of principles or standards that a group of agencies or

organizations have agreed to abide by while providing assistance in response to Complex

Emergencies or Natural Disasters.

• code of conduct

• code of procedures

A process or method of helping the parties to a conflict to reach agreement.

• discussion

• conciliation