InterAction’s Top 10 Stories of 2020
A lot has happened over the past 366 days. Against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, the humanitarian aid and international development sectors are undergoing an unprecedented change.
One thing we know for sure: this pandemic isn’t going anywhere soon. As our community plans for the opportunities and challenges that 2021 is sure to bring, it’s important to reflect on the stories that mattered the most to us this year—we’ve captured the top 10 stories and accomplishments that most inspired us in 2020.
We’ll see you next year 👋
No Excuse for Abuse
MARCH 20, 2020 – Humanitarian workers are obliged to create and maintain an environment that prevents sexual exploitation and abuse and promotes the implementation of their code of conduct. However, few easily-accessed resources exist to explain the principles of preventing sexual exploitation to humanitarian actors.
To help meet this need, InterAction and Translators Without Borders (TWB) have teamed up to create a video highlighting the six core principles of preventing sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA).
NGO Climate Compact
APRIL 22, 2020 – On the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day, April 22, 2020, InterAction and 80+ Member NGOs launched the NGO Climate Compact to pledge concerted, unified, and urgent action to address climate change.
The purpose of the Compact is to initiate large-scale change across our sector. It recognizes that the environment is central to achieving our mission to serve the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people.
InterAction Member Response to COVID-19
MARCH 20, 2020 – A running list of our Members’ responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, our Member response landing page served as an early resource for those looking to learn more about the international response to the pandemic.
No Time to Waste
NOVEMBER 16, 2020 – As the Biden-Harris Administration renews America’s standing in the world and tackles global challenges, an opportunity exists not just to repair diplomatic relationships but also to chart a bold new course and shape a forward-leaning role for development and humanitarian assistance within U.S. foreign policy.
This landing page details our full list of recommendations for the incoming Biden-Harris Administration.
Civil Society Guidance for a Model Policy
MARCH 12, 2020 – Over the past decade, armed conflict has been too often characterized by immense human suffering resulting from the actions of State and non-State parties to conflict. Against this backdrop, the contribution of U.S. military operations to civilian harm have come under scrutiny. The U.S. has cultivated some good practice to minimize and account for harm to civilians in its theaters of operation, however, this good practice has not yet been sustained and systematized across commands and operations.
This landing page outlines our community’s recommendations and expectations for the forthcoming Department of Defense Instruction (DoD-I).
Statement Regarding the Tragic Death of George Floyd
JUNE 2, 2020 – The death of George Floyd, following the killings of Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and a long list of others, is a tragic and painful reminder of the bias and violence that exist in our country. The voice of the peaceful protestors should not be silenced by militarized police tactics and the threat of martial law.
To our Black partners, Members, staff, friends, and family: no one ever should have to stand alone when trying to change the world.
We stand with you.
InterAction Members Urge Congress to Fund International Response to COVID-19 in Next Supplemental
APRIL 23, 2020 – On April 22, 2020, 106 InterAction Members sent the following letter to leadership and appropriators in the House and Senate urging Congress to provide no less than $12 billion for the international response in the next COVID-19 supplemental.
Joint NGO Statement: Urgent Action is Needed by the U.N. Security Council to Ensure Aid Reaches North-East Syria
MAY 15, 2020 – A coalition of over 100 NGOs called on the United Nations Security Council to take urgent action to ensure that over 1.6 million people receive the aid they need as humanitarian agencies struggle to scale up and respond to COVID-19.
Member Snapshot
Every day, InterAction Members are working all over the world to combat poverty and alleviate suffering.
As a platform for advocacy and engagement, InterAction features their most recent updates, blogs, and reports that highlight their new and ongoing efforts. This page is updated weekly.
More than Four Walls and a Roof
MARCH 3, 2020 – InterAction undertook a research initiative aimed at increasing the awareness of the wider impacts of shelter and settlements assistance, improving inter-sectoral understanding, and encouraging collaboration among sectoral colleagues in emergency response and recovery processes.
Related Updates
Meaningful Refugee Participation at the Global Refugee Forum
Barriers to Aid: The Growing Bureaucratic and Administrative Hurdles in Latin America
Supporting Community-Based Protection in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Voices, Silences, and the Weight We Carry
