Iasc cluster approach evaluation, 2nd phase april 2010

  6.7 Stronger ability of the humanitarian system to learn
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  Finally, and significantly, clusters help the humanitarian system to identify and 
implement lessons and could further increase this effect. 
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  Evidence for this effect includes the following factors: 
 
•   
Clusters  have  strengthened  peer  accountability  (cf.  section  5.2)  and  offer  a 
platform for exchanging good practices.
 
•   
While clusters are often unable to directly resolve key problems in humanitarian 
assistance, such as problems of institutional memory, insufficient links between 
humanitarian  and  development  activities  and  contradictions  between  status- 
and needs-based approaches, they focus attention on these problems and thereby 
increase the pressure to address them. 
 
•   
The  cluster  approach  itself  has  evolved  significantly  since  its  introduction  in 
2005 and thus demonstrated its ability to learn. 
62   Cf. For example Tennant, “UNHCR’s engagement with integrated UN missions. Report of a lessons learned 
workshop”, August 2009