In an environment of predictable unpredictability, flexibility and availability are in high demand. Therefore the Danish Refugee Council celebrates the 20th anniversary of its Stand-by Roster on Tuesday, as it has developed into being both a strong operational and strategic partner to the UN.

The Danish Refugee Council Stand-by Roster deploys committed, professional and high-performing humanitarian workers to support and strengthen the capacity of United nations (UN) agencies around the Globe. The Stand-by Roster today holds more than 300 members, who are ready to leave their homes within 72 hours, if the Stand-by Roster asks them to.

“In the beginning only Danes could be deployed from the roster – today the members are of various nationalities. What links them together is the fact that they are all high-performing humanitarian workers, who are ready to leave when necessary to relieve suffering, ensure protection and provide prospects for a better future for people affected by conflicts and natural disasters,” says Ann Mary Olsen, Head of International Department of the Danish Refugee Council.

The need for assistance to UN operations became clear when the first golf war started in 1991. The UN was implementing relief operations targeting the Kurdish population. The operation was enormous and very soon it was clear that assistance in terms of personnel was needed. The Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Danish Refugee Council responded to the appeal by creating the Stand-by Roster.

The aim of the Roster has not changed since its beginning. The Roster support and strengthen the response capacity of UN. Since 2008 the Roster has deployed experts to 55 different countries and operations, at the same time the number of partnerships with UN organisations has increased. Today the Roster has partnership agreements with nine UN Agencies, of which UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, OCHA and UNDP form the core.

“The aim hasn’t changed, but our role has broadened over the years. On the basis of the deployment scheme, the DRC Stand-by Roster has become a strategic partner for the UN and an active player in driving positive changes within the UN system. The combination of operational support and active strategic partnership to UN agencies forms the basis of our efforts to promote a co-ordinated, accountable and effective delivery of humanitarian assistance,” says Ann Mary Olsen.’

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