Detailed guidance on the cluster approach is provided in the IASC Guidance Note on Using the ClusterApproach to Strengthen Humanitarian Response, 24 November 2006. The IASC Generic Terms of Referencefor Cluster/Sector Leads at the Country Level includes a requirement that Cluster/Sector leads at country levelensure œeffective information sharing (with OCHA support)?. The following Operational Guidance is intendedfor use at the country level to help Cluster/Sector leads, OCHA and humanitarian partners ensure thatrelevant information related to a humanitarian emergency is provided to the right person at the right time in ausable form to facilitate situational understanding and decision-making.
Cluster/Sector leads and OCHA at the country level should aim to ensure that information management (IM)activities support national information systems, standards, build local capacities and maintain appropriate linkswith relevant Government, State and local authorities. Cluster/Sector leads and OCHA should thus seek tostrengthen, not replace or diminish national efforts including those of institutions not part of the Cluster orGovernment.