The United Nations Cluster Approach to Humanitarian Aid: A Critical Analysis and Reform Proposal Based on Focused Mitigation Efforts

Overlap and gaps in assistance within the Inter-Agency Standing Committee’s Cluster Approach for humanitarian aid is a major issue plaguing the international community and its response to emergencies. The inefficiencies within the cooperative effort of involved agencies leads to prolonged suffering and death within the countries in need of humanitarian aid. With these dire consequences riding on the ability of this mobilization system to function effective, it is imperative that steps be taken to ensure competent humanitarian response. There is no clearly outlined path to assist those experiencing humanitarian crisis, but there is a particular objective in mind. This goal, to aid countries until the critical point at which they can appropriately help themselves, warrants an efficient and effective response from those unaffected by the crisis that is in both parties best interest. The following proposes that the Cluster Approach focus its efforts on mitigation and preparedness. Shifting to a system that concentrates on preventing humanitarian crisis in all regions would help the Cluster Approach to accomplish its intended goals of overall effectiveness, predictable leadership, enhanced partnership, and increased accountability. Improvements in these areas would ensure that fewer individuals would face the consequences of a humanitarian crisis and that those who do would receive competent assistance quickly