The appearance of a code of conduct setting standards for the work of humanitarian NGOs is a significant and welcome step, all the more so because it is a collaborative product of many of the largest non-governmental agencies in the international relief system. The text of the code provides surprisingly little information on its origins, the process by which it was developed, and how it is expected to operate in practice. Such information is necessary context for any assessment of the code’s significance and value and also for any discussion of its actual text. This document is intended to provide such background information, so as to give RRN members a sufficient basis upon which to assess the code. It was prepared by the RRN coordinator drawing on discussions with some of the individuals involved in the preparation of the code. It does not include comments on the text of the code.
