Policy on

Age, Gender and Diversity

Mainstreaming
(Initial date of issue: August 2010, revised version endorsed by SMG: February 2020)

This policy outlines DRC s global commitment to age, gender and diversity mainstreaming
(AGDM), through a renewed vision and goals supported by the progressive fulfilment of
AGDM Minimum Standards. The policy s five organisational AGDM Minimum Standards offer
a solid institutional foundation, and the seven programmatic Minimum Standards a basis
for integration of diversity-conscious approaches throughout the programme cycle.
Detailed guidance and recommended actions for implementation of each minimum
standard are available in the policy s operational Annex .

Issued in , the present DRC Policy on Age, Gender and Diversity Mainstreaming
replaces the DRC Age, Gender and Diversity Vision and Minimum Standards .

Table of contents
 Table of contents
1. Purpose and Scope ..................................................................................................... 2

2. Rationale .................................................................................................................... 3

3. Definitions and Terms relevant to the DRC AGDM Policy.............................................. 3

4. The Mandate of DRC ................................................................................................... 4

5. DRC AGDM Visions and Goals...................................................................................... 5

6. DRC AGDM Minimum Standards ................................................................................. 5

6.1 Organisational standards 6
6.2 Programme standards 6

7. Key Principles for AGDM in DRC .................................................................................. 7

8. Legal and Policy frameworks ....................................................................................... 8

9. Annexes ................................................................................................................... 10
Annex 1) Terminology 10
Annex 2) Minimum Standard implementation: Recommended actions 14

1. Purpose and scope

The purpose of this policy is to outline D‘C s o it e t to ensure that people are at the centre of all that
we do, reach those most at risk and to leave no one behind as we work to ensure that displacement and
conflict-affected people can enjoy their rights on an equal footing.

Understanding that displacement and conflict-affected people face different risks based on intersecting
socio-demographic characteristics and identity factors, is ke fo D‘C s a ilit to develop effective
programmes and ensure that their needs are met. This requires that we systematically apply an age,
gender, and diversity mainstreaming (AGDM) approach to all aspects of our work. Irrespective of areas of
expertise, all DRC colleagues (hereunder also volunteers) need to operate with awareness of the distinct
needs and risks1 which affected people across diversity factors face in displacement and conflict settings.
The D‘C AGDM Mi i u “ta da ds of this poli se tio elo se e as a criterion for mainstreaming
AGD considerations across DRC operations and programmes.

The poli applies to D‘C s international headquarters, DRC regional and country operations and in all
sectors and areas of work in which DRC is active. The policy outlines how DRC colleagues from senior
management to programme and support functions, will jointly advance AGDM through institutional
accountability, organisational culture, capacity and technical expertise. The DRC AGDM Policy covers all
displacement and conflict-affected persons across the displacement spectrum.

1
D‘C e og izes that the isks e pe ie ed pe so s affe ted fo ed displa e e t a d o fli t a e dete i ed the fa tors
of vulnerability, capacity and threats. DRC works to reduce overall risk to affected persons by decreasing threats they face, reducing
their vulnerabilities, and enhancing their capacities. For more information, please refer to the DRC Programme Handbook, Annex
4c: Risk Equation Tool; available here.
2
2. Rationale
The displacement and conflict-affected populations served by DRC are
numerous and diverse, and within a population not all persons affected A Humanitarian Needs
experience displacement in the same way. DRC understands that the extent Overview that lumps all
people together without
to which displacement and conflict affected persons are at risk is identifying and addressing
determined by external threats, as well as their internal vulnerabilities, and the different situations of
capacities to counteract and to cope with the vulnerabilities and threats. males and females of
different age and diversity
groups will lead to a
Gender and other socio-demographic diversity factors, such as - but not
respo se that o t
limited to: age; disability; sex; gender identity; ethnicity; sexual orientation; adequately and efficiently
religion; legal; marital/family status; health and other social status, shape respond to the distinct needs
the extent to which people are vulnerable to, affected by, respond to and of the diverse groups that
recover from conflict and forced displacement, and impact their coping make up an affected
population.
strategies and risk of being exposed to targeted violence, exploitation and
(IASC Gender Handbook,
abuse.
2017)

Conflict and displacement frequently exacerbate inequality and deepen marginalization and exclusion,
because of how such crisis increase insecurity, damage social support structures, reduce income generating
opportunities, and change social and physical environments (among other shocks). As a result, marginalized
groups may be disproportionately affected, and face multiple barriers in accessing protection and
humanitarian assistance. While humanitarian crises and responses can worsen existing patterns of
discrimination and create new layers of exclusion, they may also offer opportunities for positive and lasting
transformative change, such as increasing recognition of o e s ights a d halle gi g e isti g
inequalities and practices that can affect all groups 2. Discrimination and exclusion can be prevented, ended
or – at the very least – mitigated, when approached with deliberate and dedicated actions. Yet, in the rush
to respond to crisis, humanitarian actors often fail to assess the diversity of vulnerabilities and capacities of
affected people, often resulting in their perspectives and needs remaining invisible to the stakeholders
engaged in delivery of humanitarian response, and their specific crisis-related needs not being met and
opportunities for positive change not being realized.

While certain groups are more likely to experience marginalization and barriers to enjoyment of human
rights (leading to heightened risk in the context of displacement)3 it is important to remember that not
every individual belonging to a particular social group will have specific needs, and that their needs may
alter over time and according to context. Intersecting socio-demographic factors furthermore mean that
identities and experiences are not uniform. It is therefore essential for DRC to set out to not limit the scope
of our response to pre-identified groups, but to seek to understand - in each specific context in which we
work - the existing and new patterns of discrimination, power and exclusion and the resulting risks faced by
affected individuals and groups; and seek to address them in the design and implementation of our
response.

3. Definitions and Terms relevant to the DRC AGDM Policy

While additional explanation of terminology related to this policy can be found in Annex 1 below,
clarification of the following terms is important for the reading of this policy:

Age, gender and diversity (AGD): In recognition that not all affected people experience displacement and
o fli t i the sa e a , the te all pe so s a oss di e sit fa to s is used i this poli to e o pass
affected persons across the range of age, gender and diversity of other socio-demographic factors, which
may cause marginalisation, and result in barriers to enjoyment of rights and access to protection and
2
For examples of humanitarian programmes with transformative change objectives, please visit the Insite webpage.
3
In the context of displacement, the following are groups generally considered to have specific needs: children at risk, including
unaccompanied and separated children, persons with serious health conditions, persons with special legal or physical protection
needs, single women, women-headed households, older persons, persons with disabilities, and persons with a diverse sexual
orientation or gender identity. Source: UNHCR Emergency Handbook (2015); available here.
3
humanitarian assistance. Because such factors are context-specific, it is not possible to provide an
exhaustive list, and identification of diversity factors causing certain groups to be at particular risk, has to
be done for each context in which we are responding.4

Age, gender and diversity mainstreaming (AGDM) is the process of To e you g or old, a o a or
incorporating diversity considerations into a humanitarian response, by girl, a person with a disability or
systematically working to ensure that vulnerabilities, capacities and needs of a minority ethnicity does not in
of marginalized groups are identified; that all persons across diversity itself make an individual
universally vulnerable. Rather, it
factors are considered equally, and their safety and dignity, meaningful is the interplay of factors in a
participation and access to protection and assistance and participation are given context that can
ensured. Mainstreaming does not focus on what is done, but on how it is strengthen capacities, build
done.5 resilience or undermine access to
assistance for any individual or
group.
Marginalization: Stigma, discrimination, abuse, harassment and social
(SPHERE Handbook, 2018
exclusion which exacerbate vulnerabilities and prevent certain groups from edition)
accessing power, resources - and in the context of humanitarian response,
from meaningfully participating and accessing needed assistance and support – contribute to placing these
groups at heightened risk in the context of conflict and displacement.6

4. The Mandate of DRC

D‘C s isio of A dignified life for all displaced efle ts ou e og itio of the fa t that hu a ights a e
inherent to all human beings, regardless of status. Age, gender and diversity mainstreaming is the approach
th ough hi h D‘C sets out to e su e that ou issio to assist refugees and the displaced, protect their
rights and empower them towards a better future is fulfilled to the e efit fo all displa e e t a d
conflict-affected persons, taking into account differences in needs, vulnerabilities and capacities across
different groups. This is guided by the DRC Value Compass7 which includes among the five core values
hi h defi e D‘C s o k: ‘espe t spe ified as D‘C espe ti g the e ual ights of human beings and
applying a rights- ased app oa h to ou o k fo p ote tio of displa ed pe so s without any kind of
discrimination ; as ell as the alue of I lusio e plai ed as D‘C seeki g to e po e a d e ha e
capacities of persons of concern through our work.

The cross- utti g atu e of D‘C s o it e t to age, ge de a d di e sit ai st ea i g is efle ted i

D‘C s ope atio al p i iple of Ge de & Di e sit 8, which stipulates that the relevance and effectiveness
of D‘C s a tio s a e opti ised a p ofou d u de sta di g a d di e sified appli atio of the diffe e t
capacities and vulnerabilities in the target population across age, gender and diversities like ethnicity,
sexual orientation, disabilities, legal status etc. D‘C s o it e t to p o oti g o -discrimination and
equal enjoyment of human rights, is similarly reflected in the DRC Code of Conduct, which stipulates that
DRC will respect all persons without discrimination and strive to remove all barriers to equality9.

4
Islamic Relief Worldwide (2018): Leave no one behind in humanitarian programming: An approach to understanding intersectional
programming (Learning paper 1); available here.
5
Modified definition adapted from the IASC Guidelines for inclusion of persons with disabilities in humanitarian action, available
here.
6
Derived from UNDP (2010): Marginalized Minorities in Development Programming; available here.
7
DRC values, available here.
8
Ge de &Di e sit ope atio al p i iple We i teg ate age, ge de a d di e sit o e s at all le els of p oje t/p og a e
a al sis a d pla i g; st ateg de elop e t; i ple e tatio ; o ito i g a d e aluatio ; a d poli a d ad o a o k , fo ore
information please refer to the 2013 DRC Operational Principles, available here.
9
DRC Code of Conduct, available here.
4
5. DRC AGDM Visions and Goals

5.1 Vision

At-risk displacement and conflict-affected persons across diversity factors know their rights and
entitlements, have access to information, assistance and protection and participate in decision-making
that affe t the o a e ual asis ith othe s, a d a e as a esult of D‘C s a tio s o e esilie t a d
less vulnerable and at-risk.

5.2 Goals
I easi g D‘C s i teg it a d edi ilit a o gst affected populations, donors, partners and allies, Age,
Gender and Diversity Mai st ea i g is the ea s th ough hi h D‘C pursues the above vision, in pursuit
of the following goals:
1) DRC recognizes the barriers and specific needs experienced by at-risk and marginalized groups and
accordingly guarantees and delivers protection and equal access to assistance and support that is
appropriate and relevant to their needs;
2) All DRC colleagues share a common understanding of the relationship between our commitment to
AGDM and our mission, and possess the competencies required to translate this into practice at all
levels of the organization and technical areas of expertise, acting as role models for non-
discrimination in the communities in which we work;
3) Through all programmatic and advocacy engagements, DRC seeks to address discriminatory norms,
practices, inequalities and disparities which serve as barriers to enjoyment of human rights by
population groups at heightened risk due to age, gender and other diversity factors. Hereunder by
committing to all our programmes being gender sensitive, and when possible seeking to advance
gender transformative change.
4) DRC promotes equality and non-discrimination within our organisation, operations and institutional
culture, thereby delivering greater inclusivity in DRC as an institution.

6. DRC AGDM Minimum Standards

In order to realise the above vision and goals, DRC is committed to upholding minimum standards for age,
gender and diversity mainstreaming, which establish core criterion for DRC to fulfil.

First formulated in 201010, the DRC AGDM Minimum Standards were revised in 2019, and are based on the
cross-sectoral and inter-agency Mi i u “ta da ds fo Mai st ea i g Ge de E ualit 11, the
Hu a ita ia I lusio “ta da ds fo Olde People a d People ith Disa ilities 12, a d the Minimum
Standards for Protection, Gender and Inclusion in Emergencies 13, the Core Humanitarian Standard on
Quality and Accountability 14, the Child Protection Minimum Standards 15 as well as good practices
identified by other relevant actors (for full list refer to the Insite webpage), in consideration of DRC s
mandate, organisational structure and programme cycle.

DRC organisational AGDM Minimum Standards are listed first, in recognition that a solid institutional basis
is required for DRC to successfully mainstream age, gender and diversity considerations in our programmes.
The second section of programme AGDM Minimum Standards serve as a tool to integrate diversity-
sensitive approaches into the assessment, planning, design, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and
reporting on programmes and interventions. The operational annex (Annex 2 below) to this policy contains
further detailed guidance and suggested tools for implementation of each minimum standard.

10
The D‘C Age, Ge de & Di e sit Visio a d “ta da ds , available here.
11
The Ge de P a titio e s Colla o ati e : Mi i u “ta da ds fo Mai st ea i g Ge de E ualit ; available here.
12
ADCAP ( : Hu a ita ia I lusio “ta da ds fo Olde People a d People ith Disa ilities ; available here.
13
IFRC (2018): Minimum Standards fo P ote tio , Ge de a d I lusio i E e ge ies ; available here.
14
CHS Alliance (2014): Core Humanitarian Standard on Quality and Accountability; available here.
15
Alliance for Child Protection in Humanitarian Action (2019): Child Protection Minimum Standards; available here.
5
It is expected that the DRC AGDM Minimum Standards will be used alongside other resources, and they do
not preclude use of alternative minimum standards or guidance relevant to the vision and goals of this
policy.

6.1 ORGANISATIONAL STANDARDS

These five organisational AGDM Minimum Standards outline criteria for AGDM within DRC as an
organisation:

1. Leadership and organisational culture

Senior managers of DRC are accountable for the successful integration of age, gender and diversity
o side atio s i to thei o k a d the o k of thei tea s, a d D‘C s AGDM policy commitment are
accordingly reflected and amplified in organisational strategies, policies, guidance and processes, and its
i ple e tatio aided a d o ito ed to e su e that D‘C s AGDM goals are pursued consistently in
programs and organizational culture.

2. Competency and capacity

DRC colleagues have the appropriate competencies and support to implement accessible, inclusive, AGD
sensitive and equitable programmes and activities identifying and responding to capacities, vulnerabilities
and needs of displacement- and crisis affected populations across diversity factors.

3. Communication
DRC uses internal and external communications to promote, confirm and communicate that non-
discrimination, equality and AGDM is central to our mission and vision.

4. Human resources
DRC makes provisions to be an accessible, gender equitable and inclusive workplace, where all people
enjoy equal opportunities for employment and volunteering without experiencing barriers and
discrimination based on personal characteristics. DRC analyses and addresses disparity, as we seek to
attract and recruit a diverse mix and composition of DRC colleagues at all levels of the organization.

5. Partnerships
DRC complements capacities in partnerships by partnering with organisations committed to gender
equality, inclusion and diversity, as well as organisations which can legitimately claim representation of
and/or have expertise on particular groups at heightened risk in the context of displacement and
conflict. Where needed and possible, DRC sets out to build AGDM capacities of partners.

6.2 PROGRAMME STANDARDS

These seven programme AGDM Minimum Standards serve as a tool for D‘C s o k to ensure equal
enjoyment by persons of concern across diversity factors of access to information, assistance, protection
and participation in decision-making. These programme standards should not be read nor applied in
isolation, as consistent application throughout all steps of the programme cycle are essential for
a hie e e t of D‘C s AGD goals.

1. Data and assessment

When required to collect and process data, DRC ensures that data is disaggregated by sex, age- and other
relevant diversity factors characterizing affected and targeted populations in order to assess the distinct
needs, vulnerabilities and capacities of the diverse groups that make up an affected population, and to
design and adjust programmes and assess impact on different groups.

6
 2. Analysis
To inform actions across the programme cycle, all DRC strategies, operational plans, programmes and
projects are based on analysis which consistently explores and considers AGD perspectives, to identify
factors contributing to heightened risk experienced by certain groups, in order to inform DRC action and
programming across the programme cycle.

3. Strategic planning
AGD-focused analysis and identified needs inform strategic goal and priority setting and are reflected in
operational strategies at global, regional, country and sector level. Strategy implementation is regularly
assessed, and benchmarks are developed on how to move forward on integrating and further
strengthening compliance in individual operations in line with the DRC AGDM minimum standards.

4. Programme design
D‘C s p og a es a e desig ed with persons of concern across diversity factors to ensure that all groups
have equitable access to inclusive assistance and protection, and they benefit from synergies between
mainstreamed and targeted interventions, which are designed to meet sector-specific AGD minimum
standards.

5. Resource mobilization and allocation

DRC budgets and programme proposals include adequate funding to support ADGM goals and AGD
targeted programming, and DRC systematically allocates organisational and programme budget resources
to meet AGDM needs.

6. Implementation
D‘C s i ple e tatio o e o es dis i i ato a ie s a d is ased o o side atio s fo ho all
persons of concern can equitably, inclusively and accessibly receive assistance and support that is
appropriate and relevant to their needs with a view to reducing vulnerability and threats and enhancing
and building upon capacities of groups at heightened risk.

7. Monitoring, evaluation and learning

DRC programme goals reflect AGDM priorities, have clearly identified indicators selected based on the
findings of the AGD-focused a al sis a d D‘C s o ga isatio al o je ti es, a d data o the i di ato s is
regularly collected, analysed, disseminated, and used to inform regular stock-taking of progress against
AGD indicators with a view to addressing gaps and potentially informing action plans for standard
compliance.

7. Key Principles for AGDM in DRC

D‘C s AGDM Policy builds upon the core humanitarian principles of humanity, impartiality, independence
and neutrality16. Systematically seeking to understand and address needs of affected and targeted
populations in the context of displacement and conflict, is furthermore an integrated element of DRC
commitment to mainstream protection17 into all of our activities, through application of the four protection
mainstreaming principles18 which u de pi all aspe ts of D‘C s o k to p o ote ea i gful a ess, safet
and dignity for all in humanitarian aid:

16
The core humanitarian principles are derived from the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent
Movement proclaimed in Vienna in 1965 by the 20th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent; United Nations
(UN) General Assembly Resolution 46/182, 19 December 1991; and UN General Assembly Resolution 58/114, 5 February 2004.
17
Fo o e i fo atio a out P ote tio ai st ea i g as a i i u ope atio al sta da d fo D‘C, please see section 6.5.1 of
the DRC Programme Handbook (2013 edition), available here and the DRC Protection Mainstreaming – “elf Assess e t I di ato s ,
available here.
18
SPHERE Humanitarian Handbook (2018 edition), available here, and Minimum Inter-Agency Standards for Protection
Mainstreaming (2012), available here.
7
 1. E ha e the safet , dig it a d rights of people, a d a oid e posi g the to har
To prevent and minimize as much as possible any unintended negative effects of our interventions,
requires us to understand the different vulnerabilities and capacities which exist within an affected
population, including the barriers which may place certain population groups at heightened risk. It
also requires us to examine our own assumptions, unconscious biases and the seeming neutrality
of our policies and practices, in order to avoid imposing these on persons of concern in ways that
deny them their rights, so that they can benefit equally, and inequality is not perpetuated.

2. E sure people s a ess to i partial assista e i proportio to eed a d ithout dis ri i atio
To a a ge fo people s equitable access to assistance and services, and respond to different needs,
requires us to pay special attention to individuals and groups who may be particularly vulnerable or
have difficulty accessing assistance and services, and to promote dignity, equality and inclusion. It
may require that we deliver specialized services to certain groups due to specific needs, or that we
take measures to ensure equitable access to general services for all persons across diversity factors.

3. Assist people to re o er from the physical and psychological effects of threatened or actual
violence, coercion or deliberate deprivation, access available remedies and recover from the
effe ts of a use
Marginalization and vulnerability increase risk of exposure to violence, coercion and abuse, and
may also prevent persons who have experienced such violations from accessing the services and
suppo t eeded to e o e . It is the efo e of ital i po ta e that D‘C s espo se deli e is
designed and delivered with awareness of how real or perceived differences in personal
characteristics in a given context significantly influence experiences, opportunities, capacities,
needs and vulnerabilities.

4. Support people to lai their rights

To do this requires us to understand the barriers which prevent people from enjoying their rights,
and that we recognize not only the vulnerabilities, but also the capacities of affected people and
identify how we may best support them. This requires for us to assess both the capacity of rights-
holders to claim their rights and of duty-bearers to uphold their obligations and to develop
strategies to build on and strengthen these capacities in order to seek to enhance enjoyment of
rights without discrimination.

8. Legal and Policy frameworks

D‘C s o it e t to age, ge de a d di e sit ai st ea i g is ased o the ights-based approach and
the international legal framework which guarantees equality and non-discrimination19, as well as relevant
soft law and the global ambitions as set out in the recent Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the
Global Compact on Refugees.

If follows from D‘C s rights-based approach, that the persons with whom we work must not be viewed as
beneficiaries of aid but as rights-holders with legal entitlements and obligations, and that states are the
duty bearers who - by commission or omission, are responsible for the right(s) of rights-holders on their
territory being violated, not being respected, protected and/or fulfilled.20 It includes the promotion of equal
opportunities for people with different needs and abilities and direct, measurable actions to combat
inequality and discrimination.

The right to non-discrimination is a fundamental principle in international humanitarian law21, a

requirement for the interpretation of international refugee law22 and an explicitly recognized human right

19
For a full overview the bodies of law in which this right is enshrined, please refer to: https://ihl-databases.icrc.org/customary-
ihl/eng/docs/v2_rul_rule88.
20
D‘C P og a e Ha d ook, Chapte A ights- ased app oa h , available here.
21
Geneva Convention 1977 Additional Protocol I and II, relevant excerpts available here.
22
1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees (preamble), available here.
8
upheld in several human rights instruments, including UDHR (Article 7), ICCPR (Articles 2 and 26), ICESCR
(Article 2(2)), CRC (Article 2) and CRPD (Article 5), as well as CERD and CEDAW established explicitly to
prohibit discrimination, on the grounds of race and gender respectively. Other specified prohibited
discrimination grounds include colour, disability, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national
or social origin, property, birth and other status (CRPD, ICCPR, ICESCR, UDHR). It is however important to
note that the listed grounds are not intended to be exhaustive; and that the te othe status a e
interpreted to encompass grounds not explicitly mentioned in the instruments, but commonly recognised
when they reflect the experience of social groups that are vulnerable and have suffered and continue to
suffer marginalisation, such as ethnicity, age, nationality, sexual orientation, place of residence and
intersecting grounds.23 The right to equal enjoyment of rights and non-discrimination is similarly upheld in
international humanitarian law24, and in the ten UN Security Council Resolutions on Women, Peace and
Security25.

International human rights law defines discrimination to imply any distinction, exclusion, restriction or
preference or other differential treatment that is directly or indirectly26 based on the prohibited grounds of
discrimination, and which has the intention or effect of nullifying or impairing the recognition, enjoyment
or exercise, on an equal footing, of human rights (unless the justification for differentiation is reasonable
and objective27). This means that that individuals who are in similar situations should receive similar
treatment and not be treated less favourably simply because of a particular characteristic that they
possess, and that individuals who are in different situations should receive different treatment to the
extent that this is needed to allow them to enjoy particular opportunities on the same basis as others.

More recent policy commitments, include the Sustainable Development Goals which call for global action
to address discrimination ith a o it e t that o o e ill e left ehi d 28, through the goals of
attaining gender equality (SGD5); reducing inequalities (SDG10) for all, irrespective of age, sex, disability,
a e, eth i it , o igi , eligio o e o o i o othe status i ludi g through elimination of discriminatory
laws, policies and practices; and through peace, justice and strong institutions (SDG16) which enhance
capacity of duty bearers, promote the rule of law and enforce non-discriminatory laws and policies.29 New
York Declaration30 recognizes and includes commitment to address the specific needs of vulnerable persons
who experience discrimination on any basis and the associated Refugee Compact on Refugees specific
commitments to promote gender equality and empowerment of women and girls, AGD sensitive
procedures and service delivery and harmonized or interoperable standards for the collection, analysis, and
sharing of AGD disaggregated data and application of an AGD perspective in relation to participation.

23
See for example ICCPR General Comment 18; available here, and ICESCR General Comment 20; available here.
24
Geneva Conventions, common Article 3; Third Geneva Convention, Article 16; Fourth Geneva Convention, Article 13; available
here specify IHL Rule 88 Ad erse disti tio i the appli atio of i ter atio al hu a itaria la ased o race, colour, sex,
language, religion or belief, political or other opinion, national or social origin, wealth, birth or other status, or on any other similar
criteria is prohibited .
25
UN Security Council Resolutions 1325 (2000), 1820 (2008), 1888 (2009), 1889 (2009), 1960 (2010), 2106 (2013), 2122 (2013),
2242 (2015), 2467 (2019) and 2493 (2019); all available here.
26
Fo fu the defi itio of Dis i i atio please efe to A e of this do u e t.
27
Differential treatment based on prohibited grounds will be viewed as discriminatory unless the justification for differentiation is
reasonable and objective. ICESCR (Ge e al Co e t stipulates that A failure to remove differential treatment on the basis of a
lack of available resources is not an objective and reasonable justification unless every effort has been made to use all resources
that are at the State party s dispositio i a effort to address a d eli i ate the dis ri i atio , as a atter of priority .
28
UNGA A/‘E“/ / : T a sfo i g ou o ld: the Age da fo “ustai a le De elop e t , available here.
29
For more information, please visit: https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/.
30
UNGA A/‘E“/ / : Ne Yo k De la atio fo ‘efugees a d Mig a ts; available here.
9
9. Annexes

Annex 1) Terminology

Adolescent: The United Nations defines adolescents as the age from 10-19 years for statistical purposes
without prejudice to other definitions by Member States. Adolescence is a period of many critical
transitions: physical, psychological, economic, and social. Childhood is left behind, and pressures to become
responsible adults are strong. The ability to navigate through these transitions depends on how well
adolescents are supported by families and society at large. Internally displaced and refugee adolescents are
generally recognized as being at particular risk.31

Age refers to where people are in their life cycle, as their capacities and needs change over time. Age
i flue es, a d a e ha e o di i ish, people s apa it to e e ise thei ights, a d ust e o side ed
in all protection and assistance programmes.32 “ee also e tries for: hild , adoles e t , older perso a d
youth .

Analysis, AGD helps to u de sta d ho oppo tu ities a d i e ualities a e affe ted ased o a pe so s
sex or the gender which a person identifies with. It examines relationships between people of different
genders in their diversity – their roles, responsibilities, access to and control of resources and constraints
they face relative to each other. It examines the distinct reality of being a particular age or age group, a
person with a disability and other contextual socio-demographic.33 In the context of humanitarian
response, including and diversity perspective in analysis, means considering the different impact on, and
needs, capacities and coping strategies of all persons across diversity factors in the face of displacement
and conflict.34

Barriers: Factors that prevent a person from having full and equal access and participation in society. These
can be environmental, including physical barriers (such as the presence of stairs and the absence of a ramp
or an elevator) and communication barriers (such as only one format being used to provide information),
attitudinal barriers (such as negative perceptions of older people or people with disabilities) and
institutional barriers (such as policies that can lead to discrimination against certain groups). Some barriers
exist prior to conflict and displacement; others may be created by the humanitarian response.35

Child (or minor): Article 1 of the CRC defi es a hild as e e hu a ei g elo the age of ea s .36
Though it is essential for DRC to understand variations of cultural perceptions of what a child is, the CRC
definition applies to DRC's work even if local laws and customs differ.37

Disability, person with: Persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental,
intellectual or sensory impairments, which in interaction between persons with impairments and the
attitudinal and environmental barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an
equal basis with others.38 For example, a person with a mobility impairment experiences disability if he or
she encounters a building entrance with stairs they are unable to climb.39 Persons with disabilities are not a

31
UNFPA (2007): Framework for Action on Adolescents&Youth; available here.
32
UNHCR (2018): UNHCR Policy on Age, Gender and Diversity; available here.
33
IFRC (2018): Minimum Standards for Protection, Gender and Inclusion in Emergencies; available here.
34
IASC (2017): Gender Handbook for Humanitarian Action (section: Assessment&Analysis p.30); available here, and for a practical
example the Care Rapid Gender Analysis Toolkit; available here.
35
Humanity & Inclusion, CBM, HelpAge International (2018): Humanitarian inclusion standards for older people and people with
disabilities; available here.
36
International Convention on Rights of the Child (1989); available here.
37
DRC Child Protection Policy (2017 edition); available here; DRC Child Safeguarding Policy (2017); available here.
38
Article 1 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2006); available here; IASC (2019): Guidelines, Inclusion of
Persons with Disabilities in Humanitarian Action; available here.
39
DFID (2019): Guidance on strengthening disability inclusion in Humanitarian Response Plans; available here.
10
homogeneous group; they have different capacities and needs, and contribute in different ways to their
communities.40

Discrimination means any distinction, exclusion, restriction or preference or other differential treatment
that is directly or indirectly41 based on the prohibited grounds of discrimination, and which has the
intention or effect of nullifying or impairing the recognition, enjoyment or exercise, on an equal footing, of
human rights (unless the justification for differentiation is reasonable and objective42. It may take the forms
of:
 Direct discrimination which means treating an individual less favourably (whether through act or
omission) than another person in a similar situation for a reason related to a prohibited ground. For
instance, denying assistance to certain communities due to religion or caste status. Not considering
sex and age disaggregated data and using this as a basis for developing a humanitarian needs
overview, or not being attentive to needs of marginalised groups, may constitute discrimination by
omission as it could be preventing these groups from receiving appropriate assistance and support
to meet their needs.43
 Indirect discrimination which refers to laws, policies or practices which appear neutral at face value,
but have a disproportionate impact on the exercise of rights as distinguished by prohibited grounds
of discrimination (without objective justification). For instance, requiring a birth registration
certificate for school enrolment may discriminate against ethnic minorities or non-nationals who do
not possess, or have been denied, such certificates44.

Diversity refers to the full range of different socio-demographic backgrounds and identities that make up
populations. It includes, but is not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age,
disability, health, socio-economic status, religion, nationality and ethnic origin (including minority and
migrant groups). Whilst age and gender dimensions are present in everyone, other characteristics vary
from person to person.45 Diversity characteristics vary from person to person and intersect, making each
person unique. These differences must be recognized, understood, respected, and valued by DRC in each
context and operation in order to address effectively the needs of all persons of concern. Respecting
diversity means recognizing and valuing those differences and creating a protective, inclusive, and non-
dis i i ato e i o e t he e e e o e s ights a e upheld.46

Ethnicity: Ethnicity typically refers to social groups who share a common and distinctive culture, religion,
values and language within a geographical region. The concept of ethnicity is a major aspect of
understanding inequalities between groups. In many societies, ethnic minority groups may face political
and economic
disadvantages and discrimination not faced by ethnic majority groups.47

Equality versus equity: From an equality perspective, it is assumed that everyone will benefit from the
same support. However, individuals may need different types of support and approaches in order to have

40
UNHC‘ , ed. : E e ge Ha d ook, Chapte Pe so s ith disa ilities ; available here.
41
Fo fu the defi itio of Dis i i atio please efe to A e of this do u e t.
42
Differential treatment based on prohibited grounds will be viewed as discriminatory unless the justification for differentiation is
easo a le a d o je ti e. ICE“C‘ GC stipulates that A failu e to e o e diffe e tial t eat e t o the asis of a la k of available
resources is not an objective and reasonable justification unless every effort has been made to use all resources that are at the State
pa t s dispositio i a effo t to add ess a d eli i ate the dis i i atio , as a atte of p io it
43
ICESCR general comment 20, CRPD article 31; available here; DFID (2019): Guidance on strengthening disability inclusion in
Humanitarian Response Plans; available here.
44
ICESCR general comment 20; available here.
45
IFRC (2018): Minimum standards for protection, gender and inclusion in emergencies; available here; UNHCR (2018): Age, Gender
and Diversity Policy; available here.
46
UNHCR (2018): UNHCR Policy on Age, Gender and Diversity; available here.
47
Islamic Relief Worldwide (2018): Learning paper 1, Leave no one behind in humanitarian programming: An approach to
understanding intersectional programming; available here.
11
equal access to assistance and joint decision-making that affects them. By adapting humanitarian work to
ea h i di idual s eeds a d a kg ou d, those affe ted a e ei g t eated e uita l .48

Gender: Is defined as the social, cultural and psychological qualities that are associated with being a man or
a woman. This can encompass personal identity and expression as well as societal, structural and cultural
norms.49 Although deeply rooted in every culture, these social differences are changeable over time and are
different both within and between cultures. Gender has a direct influence on roles, relations,
vulnerabilities, needs and capacities and determines the power and resources for females, males and other
identities in any culture.50 DRC recognizes that gender is not binary, and that terms and definitions related
to gender are diverse and continue to evolve. While acknowledging that, worldwide, gender discrimination
particularly affects women and girls, DRC supports a broad understanding of gender, which does not only
focus on women and girls but also takes into account the different needs of men and boys and other
gender identities.51

Gender equality refers to the equal enjoyment by persons of all genders, of rights, opportunities, resources
and rewards. Equality does not mean that persons of different genders are the same; but that their
enjoyment of rights, opportunities and life chances are not governed or limited by their gender.52

Gender expression: External characteristics and behaviours that may be perceived as masculine, feminine
and/or neutral based on societal and cultural norms. These are often expressed through clothing, hair,
body language, etc.53

Gender identity: A pe so s deepl felt i te al and individual experience of gender (e.g. of being
a man, a woman, in-between, neither or something else), which may or may not correspond to societal
expectations based on the sex assigned to them at birth.54

Gender sensitive vs. transformative action: Actions that respond to practical needs in a gender sensitive
way are gender responsive because they acknowledge the existence of gender norms and gender
inequalities and try to compensate for them by providing assistance according to specific needs. Actions
that in addition respond to strategic needs, seeking to change the gender norms that perpetuate
inequalities, are gender transformative.55

Inclusion: In the context of humanitarian response, inclusion is a process that aims to ensure that persons
from marginalized groups are taken into account equally, and that they participate in and benefit from
programmes and interventions.56 During emergency response, provision of inclusive services means giving
equitable access to resources for all. In the longer term, inclusion also focuses on facilitating access to
opportunities and rights for all by addressing, reducing and ending exclusion, stigma and discrimination.57

Intersectionality: is an analytic framework that demonstrates how forms of oppression (such as racism,

48
IFRC (2018): Minimum standards for protection, gender and inclusion in emergencies; available here.
49
Organisation for Refuge, Asylum&Migration (ORAM) (2016): Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Gender Expression: Essential
Terminology for the Humanitarian Sector; available here.
50
IASC (2017): Gender Handbook for Humanitarian Action, available here; IFRC (2018): Minimum standards for protection, gender
and inclusion in emergencies; available here.
51
ECHO (2013): Thematic Policy Document n° 6 - Gender Different Needs, Adapted Assistance; available here.
52
Adapted from partially from IASC (2017): Gender Handbook for Humanitarian Action; available here.
53
Organisation for Refuge, Asylum&Migration (ORAM) (2016): Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Gender Expression: Essential
Terminology for the Humanitarian Sector; available here.
54
Organisation for Refuge, Asylum&Migration (ORAM) (2016): Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Gender Expression: Essential
Terminology for the Humanitarian Sector; available here.
55
ECHO (2013) Gender: Different Needs, Adapter Assistance; available here.
56
UNICEF (2017): Including children with disabilities in humanitarian action - General guidance; available here.
57
IFRC (2018): Minimum standards for protection, gender and inclusion in emergencies; available here.
12
sexism, ableism) overlap, defining unique social groups. An intersectional approach assumes that harms
and violations associated with disability, race and ethnicity, gender, or other identities cannot be
understood sufficiently by studying them separately.58

Minority is a group, fewer in number than the rest of the population, whose members share a common
identity.59 For example, persons belonging to national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities, or
indigenous groups often experience discrimination and marginalization. They are frequently excluded from
participation and encounter obstacles to expressing their identity, factors which are compounded in
displacement. They are likely to be affected both by the immediate events leading to their displacement
and by the long-term legacy of discrimination.60

Older person: For statistical purposes the UN defines an older person as someone over 60 years of age. 61
However, the concept of older age must be understood in broad terms. In many countries and cultures,
being considered old is not necessarily a matter of age, but it is rather linked to circumstances such as being
a grandparent, or showing physical signs of physical ageing such as white hair. Where people live in
hardship, some of the conditions that can be associated with older age, such as mobility problems or
chronic disease, are present at younger ages. While many sources use the age of 60 and above as a
definition of old age, a cut-off point of 50 years and over may be more appropriate in many contexts where
humanitarian crises occur.62 Older persons may face heightened protection risks, as a result of aging factors
alone, or in combination with other individual characteristics. The specific risks older persons face can be
the result of physical and mental conditions, but can also result from obstacles encountered due to societal
perceptions and the interactions of an individual with his or her environment. Older people can play vital
roles in their households and communities, for example as transmitters of knowledge, culture, and skills.63

Religion: A set of beliefs and practices commonly agreed upon by a group of people and which often
contain a moral doctrine providing guidance on conduct and human affairs.64

Sex: A legal, anatomical and/or biological distinction, typically of being male or female, and sometimes of
being intersex or another status.65

Sexual and gender minorities refer to persons whose sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity
and/or gender expression (see entries elsewhere in this annex) differ from those of the majority of the
surrounding society.66 The term includes lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ)
persons as well as a range of people whose identities or practices are not included within those terms (+).67
Acronyms like LGBTIQ combine sex, gender, and sexual orientation attributes into one community, which
may or may not be appropriate in all circumstances.68

58
IASC (2019): Guidelines on the inclusions of persons with disabilities in humanitarian action; available here.
59
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) (1966), article 26; available here.
60
UNHCR (2018): UNHCR Policy on Age, Gender and Diversity; available here.
61
UNHCR (2018): UNHCR Policy on Age, Gender and Diversity; available here.
62
Humanity & Inclusion, CBM, HelpAge International (2018): Humanitarian inclusion standards for older people and people with
disabilities; available here.
63
UNHCR (2018): UNHCR Policy on Age, Gender and Diversity; available here.
64
Islamic Relief Worldwide (2018): Learning paper 1, Leave no one behind in humanitarian programming: An approach to
understanding intersectional programming; available here.
65
Organisation for Refuge, Asylum&Migration (ORAM) (2016): Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Gender Expression: Essential
Terminology for the Humanitarian Sector; available here.
66
Organisation for Refuge, Asylum&Migration (ORAM) (2016): Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Gender Expression: Essential
Terminology for the Humanitarian Sector; available here.
67
IFRC (2018): Minimum standards for protection, gender and inclusion in emergencies; available here.
68
Government of Canada (2018): Introduction to GBA+; available here.
13
Sexual orientation: A pe so s se ual a d/o o a ti att a tio to pe so s of a different sex or gender,
the same sex or gender, more than one sex or gender, or to no persons of any sex or gender. Typical
examples of sexual orientations include heterosexual/straight, lesbian, gay, bisexual and asexual.69

Vulnerability: People have multiple identities constituted by structures of power that influence how they
are vulnerable, and in what context their vulnerability arises. humanitarian actors often overlook the
complex needs and vulnerabilities that arise from the intersection of an i di idual s ultiple ide tities,
such as age, gender, ethnicity, disability or religion, and how these affect access to power and resources.
Interventions based on a one-size-fits-all approach can frequently be ineffective and sometimes omit
important considerations about social dynamics. This can lead to unnecessary exclusion and conflict in
humanitarian situations. Using the vulnerable group generic definition often fails to recognise the
capacities and resources that these groups do possess. Vulnerability is ultimately determined by a social
context.70

Youth: is est u de stood as a pe iod of t a sitio f o the depe de e of hildhood to adulthood s

independence and awareness of our interdependence as members of a community. The United Nations, for
statistical purposes, defi es outh , as those pe so s et ee the ages of a d ea s, ithout
prejudice to other definitions by Member States. The ea i g of the te outh a ies i diffe e t
societies around the world, and flexibility is required to accommodate national and regional youth policies
and directives, as well as different contextual realities. Youth are frequently overlooked as a social group,
and have the potential to make important contributions to protection and solutions for themselves and
their communities, when given the opportunity to develop their talents and skills.71

Annex 2) Minimum Standard implementation: Recommended actions

(forthcoming Q1 2020)

69
Organisation for Refuge, Asylum&Migration (ORAM) (2016): Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Gender Expression: Essential
Terminology for the Humanitarian Sector; available here.
70
Islamic Relief Worldwide (2018): Leave no one behind in humanitarian programming: An approach to understanding intersectional
programming (Learning paper 1); available here.
71
IASC (2017): Gender Handbook for Humanitarian Action; available here.
14