In the Sphere Project Handbook, minimum standards are meant to:

The choice that emphasizes establishing qualitative measures for humanitarian response is indeed the correct one. The Sphere Project Handbook aims to provide a set of internationally recognized minimum standards intended to improve the quality of humanitarian responses and ensure that aid meets essential needs in a consistent way across different contexts and types of emergencies.

This focus on qualitative measures is essential because it provides a benchmark for what constitutes effective and appropriate humanitarian assistance. By establishing these standards, organizations can gauge the adequacy of their responses and strive for continuous improvement in line with best practices. The emphasis is on ensuring that all humanitarian responses respect the rights of affected populations and meet their basic requirements for dignity and well-being.

The other choices propose ideas that may not align with the core principles of the Sphere standards. For instance, the notion of flexibility is important but must be balanced with adherence to established guidelines. The Sphere standards are designed to apply universally, not just in specific urban settings, and they definitely should not be disregarded during emergencies, as they exist to guide effective action in precisely those high-stress environments.