As regards European Commission humanitarian aid, visibility is sometimes used loosely to cover the whole spectrum of “visibility-information-communication”. Here below you can find a definition of the three words given in the framework of the DG ECHO funded action.

With the signature of the FAFPA the UN Agency commits to publicise the relevance and impact of Union funded humanitarian aid, both in the European Union and in third countries where Union funded actions are carried out.

In general terms, UN Agency are obliged to highlight their humanitarian relationship with the European Commission. This must be done through basic visibility, communication and information activities which implementation requires the UN Agency to ensure equal treatment between the Commission and (in case) other donors in their visibility and communication activities.

As concerns visibility the UN Agency has the obligation to

• include the visual identity of Union-funded humanitarian aid in conjunction with its own logo, where and when it is displayed in connection with the implementation of the Action and

• give the written and verbal recognition of the European Commission’s role in global humanitarian aid, in the relationship with the agency implementing the action, in all relevant situations

All the measures put in place in order to comply with this obligation shall comply with the Joint Visibility Guidelines For EC UN Actions in the Field published by the European Commission.

As concerns the communication activities linked to the Union-funded Action (audio-visual productions, websites or pages, media contacts, journalists’ visits, paid advertising, printed publications, public events, etc.), the UN Agency commits to highlight its relationship with the European Union and to bring the support given by the European Union to the attention of the beneficiaries and of the general public.

The UN Agencies have also the obligation to include the following text or a similar disclaimer on any information, communication and publications issued in relation to a Union-funded Action, in any form and medium, including the Internet:

“This document was produced with the financial assistance of the European Union. The views expressed herein can in no way be taken to reflect the official opinion of the European Union.””

Any publicity pertaining to the EU contribution shall quote the EU contribution in euro (€ or EUR); however, the publications and reports of the UN Agency prepared in accordance with its rules and procedures are excluded from this provision.

Furthermore, please note that if the equipment, vehicles or major supplies purchased using EU funds have not been transferred, donated, included in the low value allowance or have been covered by a derogation to donate or transfer when submitting the Final Report, the visibility requirements as regards this equipment, vehicles or major supplies (in particular display of the EU emblem) shall continue to apply between submission of the Final Report and the end of the Action, if the latter is longer.

Finally, as per article 2.18, the UN Agency should ensure that the visibility obligation apply to the Implementing partners as well.