Humanitarian Flashcards
(13 cards)
When did humanitarianism – as an organised effort to assist suffering people across national borders - begin
early 1800s
Four main areas of emergency provision for humanitarian organisations
- water and sanitation
- nutrition
- shelter
- healthcare
. Which of the following UN agencies has a mandate to focus specifically on refugees?
(d) UNRWA; (e) UNHCR
Name the four fundamental principles of humanitarian response according to the Red Cross
HUMANITY
The Red Cross, born of a desire to bring assistance without discrimination to the wounded on the battlefield, endeavours – in its international and national capacity – to prevent and alleviate human suffering wherever it may be found. Its purpose is to protect life and health and to ensure respect for the human being. It promotes mutual understanding, friendship, co-operation and lasting peace amongst all peoples.
IMPARTIALITY It makes no discrimination as to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinions. It endeavours only to relieve suffering, giving priority to the most urgent cases of distress.
NEUTRALITY
In order to continue to enjoy the confidence of all, the Red Cross may not take sides in hostilities or engage at any time in controversies of a political, racial, religious or ideological nature.
INDEPENDENCE
The Red Cross is independent. The National Societies, while auxiliaries in the humanitarian services of t heir Governments and subject to the laws of their respective countries, must always maintain their autonomy so that they may be able at all times to act in accordance with Red Cross principles.
Some key characteristics of humanitarianism
Long-established
efforts to work for international development
many of today’s best known development organisations started in response to humanitarian crisis such as war, famine, etc; e.g. Oxfam, Care, Save the Children
Subject to considerable efforts to achieve standardisation: IN PRINCIPLE (e.g. broad embrace of Red Cross principles) IN PRACTICE (e.g. Sphere Standards);
Two broad contexts for humanitarian response:
- Conflict
- Natural disaster
‘Optimal Solutions’ according to UNHCR
Return (to home country)
Integration (in current ‘transit’ country)
Resettlement (to a third country)
Climate refugees
Is ‘climate refugee’ an appropriate term?
Why so? Why not?
Who should be responsible for responding to the needs of people in this situation?
Why might humanitarian organisations and donor govermments resist the attribution of responsibility to respond?
Displaced Iraqis in Jordan
Background
Since 2003 thousands displaced;
Jordan a main destination for refugees;
managing alone or living beneath radar;
Arrivals very high 2007-10, Western funding also high;
Not in refugee camps but self-settled in urban areas;
Resettlement had been main long-term solution;
Only those with special skills allowed to work;
Since 2011 funding cut, reliance on savings, remittances, ; illegal, exploitative employment;
Problems faced by Iraqi refugee children
No access to government schools pre-2007 (when donors began to cover costs). In 2014-15 fees introduced (after donor withdrawal)
evidence of children’s increased involvement in exploitative labour;
Reportedly high incidence of domestic violence with strong link to pressures experienced by parents;
Discrimination in access to humanitarian / developmental support;
How have Iraqi refugees become invisible?
Media
Iraqis not encamped but living low key in urban areas;
Donors:
Fatigue
Bigger crisis (Syria) taking attention away;
Some eager to put Iraq behind them – e.g. UK;
Jordanian Government:
Iraqis no longer of use as means of gaining foreign aid;
UN agencies / INGOs:
For most: no incentive from donors to maintain focus on Iraqis;
Overwhelmed by Syrian crisis;
Lack of knowledge of / absence of mechanisms to capture situation;
Poor institutional memory;
Iraqi Government:
Unwilling to take any responsibility;
Humanitarian organisations and gender
gender sensitivity still remains a challenge.
This might be because logistics and supply chain management
, which spearheads the procurement and management of humanitarian goods and services, remains male dominated, which affects the ability of humanitarian organisations to meet the specific needs of women and address their concerns.
Example of gender not being taken under consideration
2004 tsunami “the distribution of underwear, bras and panties was carried out publicly, with embarrassing comments about which sizes were appropriate for which women.
sanitary products was under the control of male camp officials who handed them out one at a time, so women had to go back and ask again and again
What does humanitarian programmes need?
Humanitarian programmes need a diverse workforce that understand the varying needs of the individuals they are supposed to serve
