IRIN, originally known as Integrated Regional Information Networks, usually delivers unique, authoritative and independent reporting from the frontlines of crises. With the motto ‘inside story on emergency, it works through a global network of more than 200 local correspondents. Recently IRIN has published an analysis titled #MeToo sex scandals spur interest in standards for the aid sector. The analysis talks about the Humanitarian Quality Assurance Initiative (HQAI) process and it has quoted Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, the Executive Director of COAST Trust. It is to be noted that, COAST Trust is the first southern NGO to be certified by the Humanitarian Quality Assurance Initiative (HQAI), an independent auditing and advisory service for relief aid agencies, based in Geneva. COAST gained its certificate in January 2018.
In the aforesaid analysis, Ben Perker says, #MeToo sexual abuse scandals that has jolted the humanitarian sector has prompted calls for proper oversight and vetting of aid agencies and workers, and for the introduction of mandatory professional standards.
