Groupe URD was created in 1993 for two reasons. It was necessary to address the growing complexity of crisis contexts following the end of the Cold War. And it was necessary to find new methods for administering international aid in such contexts because previously established methods were no longer suitable.

Groupe URD began its life as a discussion platform for people working in the field.It carried out a piece of work that met with some success questioning the assumption that crises are temporary. This is the assumption which justifies the polarisation of the aid sector into ‘Emergency relief’ on one side and ‘Development’ on the other. The association was formally created in 1997 to pursue and structure its research.

Today Groupe URD is a non-profit research institute which works on evaluations, methodology and training with the aim of improving practices within humanitarian action in favour of crisis-affected populations. It functions like a scientific interest group and counts amongst its members, French international aid organisations, and european partners as well as universities.

Groupe URD’s Annual Reports can be consulted below (Only available in French):
- 2008 Annual Report
- 2007 Annual Report
- 2006 Annual Report
- 2005 Annual Report
- 2004 Annual Report
- 2003 Annual Report
- 2002 Annual Report
- 2001 Annual Report
- 2000 Annual Report
- 1999 Annual Report
- 1998 Annual Report