Needs assessment
The principle of impartiality dictates that humanitarian aid should be distributed according to need, establishing the priority of aiding the most urgent cases. Individual humanitarian agencies as well as the coordinated efforts of the humanitarian 'system' must therefore have an accurate, timely and comprehensive (multi-sectoral) understanding of the needs. A proper needs assessment thus provides the foundation for evidence-based programme choices, interagency and cross-sectoral coordination and future planning.