Early Recovery Standards in
Humanitarian Contexts
Based on Sphere Standards, IASC,
and Cluster Guidelines
What is Early Recovery?
• A multidimensional process of recovering from
a crisis while addressing root causes.
• • Bridges humanitarian aid and long-term
development.
• • Supports sustainable solutions in crisis-
affected communities.
Core Objectives of Early Recovery
• Restore essential services and infrastructure.
• • Support livelihoods and economic recovery.
• • Strengthen governance and local capacities.
• • Promote social cohesion and resilience.
Key Standards & Principles
• Community-led and participatory approach.
• • Conflict-sensitive and inclusive planning.
• • Accountability and transparency.
• • Do No Harm principle.
Typical Early Recovery Activities
• Debris removal and basic infrastructure repair.
• • Cash-for-work and microenterprise support.
• • School and health facility rehabilitation.
• • Restoration of water, sanitation, and power
systems.
Sector Integration in Early
Recovery
• WASH: Repair water systems, promote
hygiene education.
• • Shelter: Improve transitional shelters, debris
clearance.
• • Health: Rehabilitate health posts, mental
health support.
• • Education: Reopen and equip learning
spaces.
Coordination and Clusters
• Led by the UNDP under the Early Recovery
Cluster.
• • Works with all sectors: Shelter, WASH,
Protection, Health.
• • Aligns with national strategies and local
government.
Monitoring & Evaluation
• Establish indicators for recovery outputs and
outcomes.
• • Engage communities in feedback and
learning.
• • Adapt interventions based on context and
needs.
Challenges and Considerations
• Limited funding and short-term mandates.
• • Coordination gaps and overlap with
development actors.
• • Balancing speed with sustainability.
• • Security and access issues in post-crisis
areas.