The Sphere Project and its Handbook frame a Humanitarian Charter, identify a set of minimum standards in key life-saving sectors and consolidate their core standards. In the 2011 revision, the Humanitarian Charter has been completely re-written, the common standards have changed significantly, and a stronger focus on protection has been introduced. The four technical chapters are all to some extent re-structured. Sphere is based on two core beliefs: first, that all possible steps should be taken to alleviate human suffering arising out of calamity and conflict, and second, that those affected by disaster have a right to life with dignity and therefore a right to assistance. The Sphere Project and its Handbook frame a Humanitarian Charter, identify a set of minimum standards in key life-saving sectors and consolidate their core standards. In the 2011 revision, the Humanitarian Charter has been completely re-written, the common standards have changed significantly, and a stronger focus on protection has been introduced. The four technical chapters are all to some extent re-structured. Sphere is based on two core beliefs: first, that all possible steps should be taken to alleviate human suffering arising out of calamity and conflict, and second, that those affected by disaster have a right to life with dignity and therefore a right to assistance.