Minimum Standards for Economic Recovery after Crisis

The Sphere Project is based on two beliefs. First, all possible steps should be taken to alleviate human suffering that arises from calamity and conflict. Sec- ond, all individuals have a right to life with dignity.1 The opportunity to earn an income via employment or operation of a business is fundamental to the dig- nity of individuals and to assisting them to recover from crises. A vocation and the ability to practice it profitably empower affected individuals and communi- ties to regain charge of their lives by meeting their own needs as they best see fit.

he programmatic focus of the Minimum Economic Recovery Standards (ERS) is on strategies and interventions designed to promote enterprises, employment, and cash flow and asset management among affected enterprises and livelihoods. These include four distinct technical program areas: financial services, asset interventions, employment creation, and enterprise development. It emphasizes encouraging enterprises and livelihoods to re-start or improve markets.