Review Concerning the Establishment of a European Voluntary Humanitarian Aid Corps

The objective of this review was to examine the possibility of setting up a European Voluntary Humanitarian Aid Corps (EVHAC) by conducting an analysis of existing voluntary schemes; identifying the structure, scope, and focus of possible implementing options; and assessing the cost of these options. The review found the following: many ECHO partners were already using volunteers; the key operational criteria for EVHAC are to respond to needs and to do no harm; EVHAC should add value to existing schemes, without duplicating or competing; EVHAC could add value by helping to strengthen an environment conducive to volunteering; volunteering is not for free; volunteers need to be trained and to be professional; local capacity should be strengthened; and the EVHAC could use contributions from the public and private sectors.