The Start Network has published a new framework for localisation which aims to provide a practical structure to improve the position of local organisations within international aid. The framework is part of an independent review into localisation of the Start Fund and other Start Network initiatives. Responding to the review, the Start Network has committed to “drive a holistic and transformative approach to localisation”.
In May, Start Network member ALIMA contained an Ebola outbreak in the DRC, with support from the Start Fund. Read ALIMA's account of the response here.
International Medical Corps, with funding from the Start Fund, has been working in Yemen to provide an emergency response to the cholera crisis, providing life-saving support with the goal of averting this entirely preventable outbreak.
The Start Network will soon begin testing blockchain technology in delivering humanitarian finance, through its partnership with Disberse, a start-up social enterprise. This pilot aims to tackle inefficiencies in the delivery of funds by making the distribution of aid fast and completely transparent.
Denmark has launched an emergency relief fund, drawing on the Start Fund’s experience, to allow the country’s grassroots organisations to respond to crises around the world. The Danish Emergency Relief Fund (DERF) is also open to funding for smaller NGOs within countries affected by crisis. Start Network is a partner in the new fund
Thousands of families left homeless when Cyclone Mora hit Bangladesh are to be helped in the first crisis response by the new country-based Start Fund. Most of those to be assisted are Rohingya refugees, who had previously fled persecution in neighbouring Myanmar.
Start Network has endorsed the Charter on Inclusion of People with Disabilities in Humanitarian Action at a first anniversary event hosted by Handicap International UK and CBM UK in partnership with the UK Department for International Development.
Twelve aid agencies from Start Network are to meet Saudi humanitarian officials to exchange innovative ideas and experience of humanitarian action and discuss the principles behind it
Start Network has published a ground-breaking first report into the impact of its efforts to change the humanitarian system.
As national NGOs continue to lose talented staff to international organisations, a new report analyses experiences of recruitment practices for surge responses in the Philippines.
