Humanitarian Action: the Role of Governements, International Organizations and NGOs : the Eleventh Annual Humanitarian Conference of Webster University, Geneva

Humanitarian Action: the Role of Governements, International Organizations and NGOs : the Eleventh Annual Humanitarian Conference of Webster University, Geneva
Author: Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Publisher:
Total Pages: 228
Release: 2006
Genre:
ISBN:

Foreword by Jeff Crisp. Introduction by Otto Hieronymi and Nathalie Feix-Scott. Opening statements by Robert Spencer and Laurent Walpen. Sommes-nous tous des humanitaires? - Le point de vue d'un "French Doctor" by Françoise Jeanson. Towards more predictable humanitarian responses - Inter-agency cluster approach to IDPs by Anne Willem Bijleveld. Santé publique et sécurité dans les urgences complexes by Pierre Perrin. Operational alliances by Markku Niskala. Combating trafficking in human beings by Helga Konrad. The issue of food security: the case of Niger by Daly Belgasmi. Humanitarian cooperation - Private sector experience by John J. Maresca. The governance of the refugee problem in Africa: a research agenda by Pierre-Michel Fontaine. Children and disasters by Aradhna Duggall-Chadha. Humanitarian action: the challenge for African youth by Amina Wali. Global partnerships in humanitarian crises: WHO response and the South Asian earthquake of October 2005 by Roberta Ritson and Mona Youssef. Epidemic and pandemic alert and response by Cathy Roth. Le mandat et statut juridique des organisations non-gouvernementales by François Rubio. Humanitarian action from the perspective of the European Union by Wolfgang Petritsch. Coordination within the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement by Victoria Gardener. Natural disasters - Humanitarian coordination among international agencies: experience from Pakistan and the Tsunami by Robert Mister. International response to non-armed conflict disasters: legal challenges encountered in light of the current regulatory framework by Katrien Beeckman. Le foisonnement des petites ONG - Dissémination des forces ou dynamisme créatif? by Pascale Giron-Lanctuit. The Balkans at a cross-road: progress and challenges in finding durable solutions for refugees and displaced persons from the wars in the former Yugoslavia by Guido Ambroso. L'action contre les mines - L'engagement du gouvernement suisse by Flavio Del Ponte. "Can't get there from here" - Interception measures and their impact on the role of refugee NGOs by Nancy Kelley. Protecting human dignity in all circumstances: towards a continuum of protection by Michel Veuthey. International humanitarian law and the humanitarian action of the International Committee of the Red Cross by Katie Sams. The future challenges for volunteers, majors organisations and the international community by Christopher Lamb. International obligations for providing food aid by Daly Belgasmi. Humanitarianism and reconciliation by Thomas Getman. Humanitarian action - A source of optimism for the international order of the future by Otto Hieronymi. Closing statement by Mona Youssef.

Humanitarian Action, Security and Military

Humanitarian Action, Security and Military
Author: United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Library
Publisher:
Total Pages: 281
Release: 2004
Genre:
ISBN:

Conference papers : 1. New Forms of Conflict and Violence : The new warfare and the need for an interactive military, by John H. King; Sexual Violence and International Law, by Malaika Rajandran. 2. The role of the military in humanitarian crises: legal, moral and political issues : Relations with the armed forces, by Hans Hatting; Ad-Hocism and the rules of collective security: is peacekeeping still relevant for maintaining international peace and security? By Vincent Chetail; Humanitarian assistance: political dimensions of military action, by Joe Sills. 3. Examples of the military's role in major humanitarian crises : The military's role in major humanitarian crises: the case of Afghanistan from a refugee point of view, by Salvatore Lombardo; Closing the 20th century with some important lessons: Bosnia and the need for enforcement, by Colum Murphy. 4. The security of humanitarian workers : Srebrenica and the safe area dilemma, by Peter J. Van Krieken; UNHCR and the current security environment, by Alan Vernon; Aid worker safety and security as a source of stress and distress: is psychological support needed? by Ros Thomas; New threats against humanitarian workers, by Pierre-Michel Fontaine. 5. International humanitarian organizations, NGOs and the military : Humanitarian action, NGOs and the privatization of the military, by Daniel Hellinger; Organisations internationales, ONG et les forces armées, by François Rubio. 6. Providing humanitarian relief and protection in the future : The problems of moral hazard: humanitarian aid during violent conflict, by Kelly-Kate Pease; The respective roles of international organizations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in humanitarian action, by Michel Veuthey; Political order and the outlook for the internal and international use of force in the 21st century, by Otto Hieronymi and Catherine Currat. Closing statements, by Myriam Felber, Samuel Whyte, and Charlene Perilla.

The Role and Statuts of International Humanitarian Volunteers and Organizations

The Role and Statuts of International Humanitarian Volunteers and Organizations
Author: Yves Beigbeder
Publisher: Martinus Nijhoff Publishers
Total Pages: 436
Release: 1991-09-26
Genre: Social Science
ISBN: 9780792311904

Since its birth with the creation of the international Red Cross in 1863, international humanitarian assistance has developed considerably since World War II. In accordance with the Red Cross principle of humanity, it aims at preventing and alleviating human suffering wherever it may be found, protecting life and health and ensuring respect for the human being. International humanitarian assistance involves a complex network of government agencies, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, and individual volunteers: it has been labelled a 'non-system'. While governments and intergovernmental organizations play a dominant and structured role in this field, the non-governmental organizations and their volunteers have proved to be their necessary operational partners, providing material, medical and moral relief and care wherever it may be needed, beyond borders, at the grassroots level. Following a brief review of recent humanitarian activities of intergovernmental organizations, and an analysis of current trends of voluntarism, this book focuses on the role, status and attitudes of the major humanitarian non-governmental organizations, including the Red Cross organizations, the British charities, Church-related agencies, medical volunteers (such as the 'French Doctors') and U.N. volunteers. Should humanitarian non-governmental organizations provide relief assistance with the Red Cross concern for discretion, neutrality and impartiality? Or should they bear witness and denounce publicly human rights violations, at the risk of being expelled from recipient countries and having to stop their assistance? The controversial claim of a 'right' to receive and a 'duty' to provide humanitarian assistance beyond borders is also addressed, as well as the possible need for a status to be accorded to international volunteers.

The Economic and Social Consequences of Humanitarian Crises

The Economic and Social Consequences of Humanitarian Crises
Author:
Publisher:
Total Pages: 252
Release: 2003
Genre:
ISBN:

1) Opening statements by Laurent Walpen, by Mary Ann Wyrsch and by Robert Spencer. 2) Key-note speakers : the consequences of humanitarian crises. The economic and social consequences of armed conflicts by Jakob Kellenberger. Humanitarian consequences of HIV/AIDS and the Red Cross Red Crescent response by Didier Cherpitel. 3) Conference papers. a) The need for material and human resources. Alleviating human suffering : what are the costs? by Mark Cutts. Engagement pour la cause humanitaire et formation by Roland Desmeules. The economic dynamics of large-scale humanitarian assistance by Robin Davies. b) Facing the consequences of failed prevention. Humanitarian crises : the nature and impact of contemporary war by John King. The economic and social consequences of landmines by Ian Mansfield. Forward or backwards? : coping with humanitarian crises by Claudio Caratsch. c) The impact on the economic and social fabric. Reintegration of returning refugees in Africa by David Lambo. La Justice, facteur de réconciliation nationale dans une période post-conflit : le cas du Rwanda post génocide by François-Xavier Nsanzuwera. Assessing the costs of Iraq's 1990 invasion and occupation of Kuwait : the United Nations Compensation Commission by Timothy J. Feighery. Becoming Rwandan : a dialogue of national identity by Amalia Fawcett. d) The nature and consequences of protracted crises. No solutions in sight : the problem of protracted refugee situations in Africa by Jeff Crisp. The consequences of protracted crises by Otto Hieronymi and Chiara Jasson. e) The challenge of reconstruction and of rebuilding societies. The role of the private sector in post-conflict reconstruction by John Maresca. Undoing war economies : a prerequisite for peace? by Gilles Carbonnier. f) Coping with humanitarian crises : the role of the international community. Le rôle des ONG et des autres organisations de la société civile (OSC) dans la reconstruction d'une société démocratique by François Rubio. Coping with the aftermath of armed conflict : the role of the humanitarian community by Marion Haroff-Tavel. The role of the United Nations in dealing with the consequences of humanitarian crises by Bruna Faidutti. Public conscience in international humanitarian action by Michel Veuthey. 4) Closing statements by Tessa Asamoah and Hareeta Cunniah.

The Politics of Protection

The Politics of Protection
Author: Elizabeth G. Ferris
Publisher: Brookings Institution Press
Total Pages: 383
Release: 2011-05-01
Genre: Political Science
ISBN: 0815721382

For the past decade, humanitarian actors have increasingly sought not only to assist people affected by conflicts and natural disasters, but also to protect them. At the same time, protection of civilians has become central to UN peacekeeping operations, and the UN General Assembly has endorsed the principle that the international community has the "responsibility to protect" people when their governments cannot or will not do so. Elizabeth Ferris explores the evolution of the international community's understandings of protection, with a particular emphasis on the humanitarian community. "Protection" is a noble word, with positive connotations, but what does it actually mean in practice? Does providing assistance to vulnerable people protect them, for example? Does monitoring the number of rapes protect women? Does increased engagement in protection activities by humanitarian agencies jeopardize the cornerstone humanitarian principles of neutrality and impartiality? In The Politics of Protection, Ferris examines inconsistent ways in which protection is defined and applied. For example, why do certain groups receive international protection while other equally needy groups do not? Her case studies, ranging from Iraq to Katrina, illustrate the challenges—and limitations—of protecting vulnerable populations from the ravages of war and natural disasters. Ferris argues that the protection paradigms currently in use are inadequate to meet the challenges of the future, such as climate change, protracted displacement, and the changing nature of warfare.

The Routledge Companion to Humanitarian Action

The Routledge Companion to Humanitarian Action
Author: Roger Mac Ginty
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 536
Release: 2015-03-24
Genre: Political Science
ISBN: 1135013926

The Companion on Humanitarian Action addresses the political, ethical, legal and practical issues which influence reactions to humanitarian crisis. It does so by exploring the daily dilemmas faced by a range of actors, including policy makers, aid workers, the private sector and the beneficiaries of aid and by challenging common perceptions regarding humanitarian crisis and the policies put in place to address these. Through such explorations, it provides practitioners and scholars with the knowledge needed to both understand and improve upon current forms of humanitarian action. The Companion will be of use to those interested a range of humanitarian programmes ranging from emergency medical assistance, military interventions, managing refugee flows and the implementation of international humanitarian law. As opposed to addressing specific programmes, it will explore five themes seen as relevant to understanding and engaging in all modes of humanitarian action. The first section explores varying interpretations of humanitarianism, including critical historical and political-economic explanations as well as more practice based explorations focused on notions needs assessments and evaluation. Following this, readers will be exposed to the latest debates on a range of humanitarian principles including neutrality and sovereignty, before exploring the key issues faced by the main actors involved in humanitarian crisis (from international NGOs to local community based organizations). The final two sections address what are seen as key dilemmas in regards to humanitarian action and emerging trends in the humanitarian system, including the increasing role of social media in responding to crises. Whilst not a ‘how to guide’, the Companion contains many practical insights for policy makers and aid workers, whilst also offering analytical insights for students of humanitarian action. Indeed, throughout the book, readers will come to the realization that understanding and improving humanitarian action simultaneously requires both active critical reflection and an acceptance of the urgency and timeliness of action that is required for humanitarian assistance to have an impact on vital human needs. Exploring a sector that is far from homogenous, both practitioners and scholars alike will find the contributions of this book offers them a deeper understanding of the motivations and mechanics of current interventions, but also insight into current changes and progress occurring in the field of humanitarian practice.

Mitigating Conflict

Mitigating Conflict
Author: Henry F. Carey
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 189
Release: 2004-08-02
Genre: History
ISBN: 1135758182

This title examines the roles and new opportunities arising from the increasing participation of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in peace-making, peacekeeping and peace-building processes, both formal and informal, state-sponsored and unofficial. Drawing on both academic experts and activists, this study brings together contributions from those who have observed how NGOs have sought to reflect civil society concerns, provide humanitarian relief, monitor compliance with international norms and treaty requirements, and disseminate information of concern to advocacy networks. A critical appraisal of the opportunities and constraints of NGOs is provided alongside the examination of the NGOs role in the "new agendas" for peace.

The politicization of humanitarian aid and its effect on the principles of humanity, impartiality and neutrality

The politicization of humanitarian aid and its effect on the principles of humanity, impartiality and neutrality
Author: Thorsten Volberg
Publisher: diplom.de
Total Pages: 91
Release: 2007-02-22
Genre: Political Science
ISBN: 395636192X

Inhaltsangabe:Abstract: The past two decades have seen a significant increase in frequency and intensity of complex emergencies and natural disasters, leading to a rapid transformation in the policy and the institutional context of humanitarianism. Humanitarian assistance, which once covered a very narrow set of basic relief activities carried out by a small group of relatively independent actors, has expanded significantly to an ever-widening and much more complex range of rehabilitation work. This includes the definition of aid as being a starting-point for addressing poverty or being a tool for peace-building in internal conflicts. A growing diversity of non-humanitarian actors in the field, such as various profit agencies, governmental and non-governmental armed forces, also changed the picture of humanitarian aid and the perception of its character. This transformation has created a broad variety of standards for performance in the field, and led to increasing uncertainties on the quality of humanitarian responses and its accountability. Humanitarian catastrophes, like the Rwandan genocide, finally forced humanitarian agencies to think beyond traditional relief assistance based on the delivery of food, shelter or basic health care, and take a deeper reflection on how they actually perceive their own role and accountability in the humanitarian sphere. In 1997, the Sphere project was launched to develop inter alia a so-called Humanitarian Charter , which tries to put relief aid on a legal basis provided by international law. It emphasizes humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality and impartiality and expresses agencies commitment to act in accordance with them. These principles provide an ethical framework, which defines and delineates the humanitarian space within which NGOs are supposed to operate. Sphere and its commitment to these traditional principles have both supporters and critics within the humanitarian system, especially when it comes to its usefulness in addressing the complexity of political factors surrounding an emergency situation. Humanitarian assistance has always been a highly political activity, as it involves engaging authorities in conflict-affected countries or relying on financial support that can be driven by a donor s political considerations. Nowadays, relief organizations seem to remain even less in control of their working environment due to expanding peacekeeping and military-led missions of the [...]

Internal Conflicts : the Role of Humanitarian Action

Internal Conflicts : the Role of Humanitarian Action
Author: International Committee of the Red Cross
Publisher:
Total Pages: 162
Release: 1999
Genre:
ISBN:

The present volume contains the proceedings of the conference on "Internal Conflicts : the role of humanitarian action" organized by Webster University in Geneva in April 1998. The opinions expressed are those of the contributing authors and do not necessarily represent the views of their respective organizations or the organizers of the conference. The principal objective of the 1998 Webster conference was to gain a better understanding of the scope and the role, and of the limits of humanitarian action in internal conflicts by drawing on the direct knowledge of experts representing different experiences and different organizations. (adapted from author's introduction).

Shaping the Humanitarian World

Shaping the Humanitarian World
Author: Peter Walker
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 201
Release: 2014-08-07
Genre: Law
ISBN: 1135977437

Origins of the international humanitarian system -- Mercy and manipulation in the Cold War -- The globalization of humanitarianism : from the end of the Cold War to the global war on terror -- States as responders and donors -- International organizations -- NGOs and private action -- A brave new world, a better future?.