The risks of corruption in humanitarian response can be reduced by aid organisations being answerable to their beneficiaries (‘downward accountability’). Interventions may also be more efficient and effective with measures in place to help recipients feedback to — and get a response from — aid providers. In a new U4 Brief, researchers use a helpline and call centre set up for refugees by UNHCR Uganda to explore lessons around this idea. This blog highlights some key findings from the study. These include the importance of involving beneficiaries from the start when designing accountability mechanisms, as well as the need to provide adequate training and resources.
