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How we work
Fulfilling the Mission
The mission statement thus consists of three criteria, where the first
two are alternate to one another and the third brings out the heart of IAS:
1. Save lives.
2. Promote self-reliance and dignity through human transformation.
3. Going beyond relief and development.
If all these criteria shall be fulfilled, there are certain approaches and strategies that need to be undertaken. IAS is working in some of the most extreme environments in the world, trying to assist the most vulnerable and un-reached people groups. IAS has therefore categorised its interventions and the people these interventions are addressing in three different categories:
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Disaster response
People living a high risk due to man-made or natural catastrophes. The only way for these people to survive is to deliver emergency relief. |
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Disaster preparedness
People living in a situation where their vulnerability is likely to increase. IAS will assist in preventing suffering by preparing people for what is likely to come.
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3
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Disaster mitigation
People who have gone from the survival phase and now look forward to a ‘normal’ life. Through a humanitarian intervention, suffering can be addressed by reducing vulnerability and improving the capacity of people who live in situations where their socio-economic security and dignity are threatened.
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Each of these categories requires a different approach and is applicable to different criteria of the mission statement. Out of the three categories, saving lives is primary applicable to the first two. Unless these two points are fulfilled, e.g. the basic needs have been met, such as security, shelter and food, it is difficult to motivate people to participate in other humanitarian programmes and consequently promoting self reliance and dignity and enable them to invest in their future; the second and third criteria in the mission statement.
In order to fulfil the second and third criteria of the mission statement, it is imperative to use a participatory approach; engaging the recipients in the project from the planning process, to the actual implementation and to the evaluation. The project belongs to them and the issue of ownership should be addressed at an early stage. IAS has developed a specific policy for its participatory approach. The policy is called ICEP and will be a guiding document in all IAS interventions.
Finally, in all IAS interventions, IAS does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, gender or nationality of the recipient, thus fulfilling the fourth and joint criteria. This is of great importance to bear in mind, that even though IAS is a Jesus-centred organisation standing on a biblical foundation, it will never discriminate in its delivery of humanitarian services.
Core Beliefs and Values
As an addition to the mission statement and taking the third criterion further in its
delivery of services, IAS is guided by five set of principles which constitute the
core beliefs and values of the organization:
• Missions
Our biblical understanding of Missions motivates everything we do.
The unreached and underprivileged people groups are our major focus in spreading the good news.
• Intergrity
We believe that integrity is the foundation of our Christian character. Character is not inherited but is built daily
by the way one thinks and acts, thought by thought, action by action.
• Relational leadership and teamwork
We believe in a team-based approach to leadership. We invest in leaders and train them to
realize their full potential as well as giving them tools and opportunities to be effective leaders.
We believe healthy leaders produce healthy communities.
• Empathy (Compassion)
We show compassion to a hurting and broken world-- feeling the feelings
and emotions of others and being motivated to act.
• Equality and love in action
We believe in treating all people as we would like to be treated. We believe that people will feel
valued and appreciated when we regard them with dignity and respect.
Activity guidelines
Donors and people recieving help, have showed great trust in IAS work, partly due to
IAS priority of using local and committed workers in all its projects. Each project
is discussed thoroughly with the needed people, before it's being implemented.
IAS believe it's important for the targeted people to be involved in the assessment,
planning and implementation process in an early stage.
IAS activities are guided by the Sphere Project standards
(Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Disaster Response), the
Do No Harm (DNH) approach
and United Nations Millennium Development goals.
The organization is also a signatory to the ICRC Code of Conduct.
Do No Harm
Looking for more information about the Do No Harm concept?
Download the Do No Harm Handbook 120 Kb
(The Framework for Analyzing the Impact of Assistance on Conflict)
The ICRC Code of Conduct
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The Humanitarian imperative comes first.
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Aid is given regardless of the race, creed or nationality of the recipients and without adverse distinction of any kind.
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Aid will not be used to further a particular political or religious standpoint.
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We shall endeavour not to act as instruments of government foreign policy.
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We shall respect culture and custom.
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We shall attempt to build disaster response on local capacities.
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Ways shall be found to involve programme beneficiaries in the management of relief aid.
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Relief aid must strive to reduce future vulnerabilities to disaster as well as meeting basic needs.
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We hold ourselves accountable to both those we seek to assist and those from whom we accept resources.
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In our information, publicity and advertising activities, we shall recognise disaster victims as dignified humans, not hopeless objects.
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The ICRC Code of Conduct
United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDG)
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Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger
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Achieve universal primary education
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3
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Promote gender equality and empower women
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4
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Reduce child mortality
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Improve maternal health
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Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases
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7
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Ensure environmental sustainability
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Develop a global partnership for development
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The UN Millennium Development Goals (MDG) (English)
The UN Millennium Development Goals (MDG) (Svenska)
The Millennium Campaign - Voices against poverty
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