Publication of the third edition of the Minimum Standards of the Inter-Agency Network for Education in Emergencies (INEE Minimum Standards for Education)

The third edition of the INEE Minimum Standards for Education (INEE MS) has been published very recently. This manual was first launched in 2004 and has since provided a framework for quality education in emergencies. The INEE NMs are based on the Humanitarian Charter and the Core Humanitarian Standard, thus providing a key complement to the Sphere Handbook (initially published in 1998) in education. The update aims to improve quality in terms of education preparedness, response, and recovery in emergencies, improve access to quality education and safety, and increase accountability to target groups. The 2024 edition has been produced in an interagency and cross-sectoral process with the participation of more than 1,600 actors from 35 countries.

The handbook consists of a guide with 19 key standards and indicators around the organizational areas of educational response, accessibility and design of educational environments, qualitative improvement of teaching and learning processes, including staff training and the creation of decent working conditions, and finally, standards on educational policy and legislation.

What have been the main changes and updates integrated in this latest version?

• The adoption of a greater focus on accessibility and inclusiveness, including more accessible language and digital formats.
• The inclusion of topics that were not yet included in previous editions. These include new standards adapted for early childhood education, distance education and higher education, as well as the role of education in the face of climate change-induced emergencies.
• Further adaptation of guidance standards to the changing humanitarian landscape, and to protracted and complex crises. 
• Proposals for better linking education with other sectors of humanitarian action and proposals for cooperation between sectoral clusters.
• Mainstreaming gender and inclusive education, as well as localization and empowerment approaches. A stronger commitment to the principles of anti-racism and decolonization is integrated.

The new edition is currently available in English with translations envisioned in Arabic, French, Spanish and Portuguese. The updated manual, a summary of key developments and other supplementary materials can be found on the INEE website.