{"id":53738,"date":"2024-11-19T18:46:21","date_gmt":"2024-11-19T18:46:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/globalcommunities.org\/?p=53738"},"modified":"2024-11-19T18:46:22","modified_gmt":"2024-11-19T18:46:22","slug":"humanity-at-risk-addressing-challenges-to-principled-humanitarian-action","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/globalcommunities.org\/blog\/humanity-at-risk-addressing-challenges-to-principled-humanitarian-action\/","title":{"rendered":"Humanity at Risk: Addressing Challenges to Principled Humanitarian Action"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
By Paula Rudnicka, Sr. Manager for Public Affairs<\/strong>. Audio production by Kallista Zormelo.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n For decades, the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence<\/strong> have underpinned humanitarian action. They provide a foundation for delivering aid with integrity and fairness, and they help ensure that assistance reaches those in need based on vulnerability and urgency, rather than political or personal interests. In recent years, however, we have seen significant challenges in the application of these principles<\/strong>, including their outright violations. Attacks on aid workers, access restrictions and other constraints imposed by parties to armed conflicts inhibit the ability of humanitarian agencies to deliver effective, principled assistance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Recently, a group of humanitarian workers from our organization met to discuss the risks and challenges to principled humanitarian action. The following colleagues participated in the exchange: Jasper Vaughn<\/strong>, Communication and Information Management Officer, Humanitarian Response; Elise Hannaford<\/strong>, Director, Humanitarian Response; Eva K. Mejia<\/strong>, Country Director, Honduras; Marshall Karidozo<\/strong>, Director of Monitoring & Evaluation and Acting Program Director, Syria; Will Musombi<\/strong>, Senior Advisor, Humanitarian Response; and Noah Steinberg Distefano<\/strong>, Senior Regional Manager, Americas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The conversation was edited for length and clarity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00a0 In 1994, the humanitarian principles were codified in the voluntary Code of Conduct for the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (the Movement) and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Disaster Relief<\/strong><\/a>. \u00a0Global Communities is <\/strong>signatory<\/strong><\/a> to<\/strong> this code.<\/strong><\/p>\n While the humanitarian principles are well-defined by the international community, there are still tensions and misconceptions about their practical application.<\/p>\n\n\n The humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza<\/strong> has led to a serious reckoning in the humanitarian community. Our organization has lost two colleagues, Hani Jnena and Alaa Abu Al-Khair, who have been killed in Israeli airstrikes since the start of the war in October 2023. Many of our colleagues have also lost their family members. These tragic losses are profoundly felt by our teams. Our colleagues work tirelessly to deliver lifesaving assistance<\/a> to their communities while facing unfathomable danger, severe trauma and significant logistical challenges caused by widespread insecurity and restrictions on aid<\/strong>. We continue to call for an immediate ceasefire<\/strong> and unequivocal adherence to international humanitarian law<\/strong> so that we can deliver aid in a safe and timely manner. As we continue to provide assistance in Gaza, we will keep evaluating our response to ensure that we adhere to the humanitarian principles.<\/p>\n
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Paula: What are the origins of humanitarian principles and what do they mean for Global Communities?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jasper: <\/strong>The onset of the modern set of humanitarian principles dates back to the 19th century, when they were first promoted by the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Today, these principles are embedded in the international humanitarian law<\/strong>, including four Geneva Conventions<\/strong>, ratified by almost all countries in the world. These treaties lay out legally binding obligations aimed at protecting individuals who are not participating in hostilities, including civilians.<\/p>\n
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Paula: What are the challenges associated with the implementation of humanitarian principles and how do you address them? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/strong>Elise: <\/strong>In theory, the humanitarian principles sound straightforward, but in practice, humanitarians face challenges around their implementation and they are unevenly applied<\/strong> across crisis contexts.<\/p>\n