Humanitarian Policy Group Report 10

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Questions and Answers

What does the traditional notion of neutrality in humanitarianism often associate with?

Silence during humanitarian crises (correct)

Active engagement in political discourse

Promotion of state interests

Empowering local communities

Which organization claims to operate under the 'spirit of neutrality'?

World Health Organization

International Red Cross

Save the Children

Médecins Sans Frontières (correct)

What is a key debate surrounding humanitarian assistance?

The effectiveness of humanitarian principles (correct)

The importance of military involvement

The role of non-governmental organizations

The necessity of state interests in aid

According to Pugh's argument, civilian organizations represent which kind of approach to humanitarian emergencies?

Non-statist and cosmopolitan Signup and view all the answers

Which principle is described as the most debated and contested in humanitarianism?

Neutrality Signup and view all the answers

What do MSF's claims regarding neutrality imply about their stance on political involvement?

They choose neutrality to maintain operational freedom Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by the principle of neutrality in the context of humanitarian action?

Humanitarian workers should avoid any involvement in political issues. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following principles is NOT part of the International Committee of the Red Cross's ethical framework?

Aggravation Signup and view all the answers

What issue do some authors suggest could signify a failure of traditional humanitarian principles?

The rise of military humanitarianism Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of abandoning neutrality in humanitarian work?

Compromise of humanitarian immunity. Signup and view all the answers

What is suggested about humanitarian actors in relation to neo-liberal statism?

They are increasingly co-opted into a dominated aid paradigm Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'humanitarian imperative' refer to?

The need for a response to human suffering. Signup and view all the answers

According to Pasquier, how do the principles of universality and impartiality relate to neutrality?

They require humanitarian actions to reach all victims, potentially affecting neutrality. Signup and view all the answers

Which principle is at risk when humanitarian agencies become more politicized?

Impartiality Signup and view all the answers

What do humanitarian agencies need to recognize if neutrality must be abandoned?

Doing so may limit access to certain victim groups. Signup and view all the answers

How have the principles of neutrality and independence been adopted by other humanitarian agencies?

Equivocally and by fewer organizations. Signup and view all the answers

What does impartiality in humanitarian response emphasize?

Guidance based solely on need. Signup and view all the answers

What was a key argument made by Skuric-Prodanovic regarding humanitarian response in the region?

Donors focused mainly on politically correct regions. Signup and view all the answers

What do some conference participants suggest regarding neutrality in humanitarian assistance?

It is an unethical position that should be abandoned. Signup and view all the answers

What does the principle of independence contradict in modern humanitarian action?

Financial dependence on donor states. Signup and view all the answers

What was the general consensus at the conference regarding traditional humanitarian principles?

They require rethinking and clarification. Signup and view all the answers

In what way was humanitarian aid in Serbia perceived compared to that in Albania and Macedonia?

It was significantly lower despite higher need. Signup and view all the answers

What did some participants in the conference believe about the merging of humanitarian aid and politics?

It redefines what humanitarian action should entail. Signup and view all the answers

What cost does the principle of independence impose on humanitarian agencies?

Financial dependence on major donors. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Humanitarian Policy Group (HPG) Report 10

Report of a conference on "Politics and Humanitarian Aid: Debates, Dilemmas and Dissension"
Held in London, February 1, 2001
Organized by ODI, POLIS (University of Leeds), and CAFOD
Report authored by Devon Curtis
Published in April 2001 by the Overseas Development Institute (ODI)

Report Contents

Acronyms (defining various organizations)
Introduction
Context of Politicization of Humanitarian Action
- Geopolitical changes
- Changing nature of conflict
- New definitions of security
- Perceived failings of traditional humanitarian action
- Domestic policy in donor governments
- Liberal global governance
- Risk assessment and risk management
The Coherence Agenda
- Structures of coherence
- Implications and questions
Humanitarian Intervention and Civil-Military Cooperation
- Humanitarian intervention
- Civil-military cooperation
Humanitarian Principles
The Needs Versus Rights Debate
- The debate
- Legal instruments
Conclusion
Endnotes
Bibliography
Annexes
- Abstracts of conference papers
- Conference agenda
- List of conference participants
List of Boxes (containing case studies and examples like the politicisation of humanitarian aid and its consequences for Afghans, psychosocial intervention, exclusion in Serbia, and the humanitarian war in Kosovo)

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Description

Explore the key themes and discussions from the conference on 'Politics and Humanitarian Aid' held in London in 2001. This report delves into the complexities of humanitarian action amidst geopolitical changes, civil-military cooperation, and evolving humanitarian principles. Gain insights into the challenges and dilemmas faced by the humanitarian sector.