1 / 8

The Humanitarian Aid Dilemma

This paper explores the complexities surrounding humanitarian aid in conflict zones, emphasizing the moral ambiguities inherent in providing assistance. It highlights examples such as the 1994 Rwandan refugee crisis, where aid played dual roles—offering support to displaced persons while potentially empowering militant factions. The work of aid groups must be critically assessed to recognize their non-neutral positions and the consequences of their actions. Strategies for navigating these dilemmas are discussed, stressing the importance of aligning humanitarian efforts with security considerations.

tanner
Download Presentation

The Humanitarian Aid Dilemma

An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author. Content is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only. Download presentation by click this link. While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server. During download, if you can't get a presentation, the file might be deleted by the publisher.

E N D

Presentation Transcript

  1. The Humanitarian Aid Dilemma IAFS 1000

  2. Final Paper • Due April 22 at beginning of class • Submit to turnitin.com by 11:59pm on Apr 22

  3. Final Quiz • Covers everything since midterm • Format: —2 IDs (50 points each)

  4. Humanitarian Aid • Giving to needy = good • E.g. zakat • Aid groups • impartial • neutral • Sarah Lischer • aid has pol, & sometimes mil, repercussions • can even exacerbate conflict Lischer, “Collateral Damage” Intl Security 28:1 (Summer 2003) 79-109

  5. Mechanisms • Feed militants • Sustain militants’ supporters • Contribute resources for violence • Legitimize combatants

  6. Rwandan Refugees in Zaire • 1994: ~2m Hutus fled to E. Zaire (now DRC) • 10,000s of perpetrators • State in exile • Dallaire and Wilkens on collaboration

  7. What Should Aid Groups Do? • Recognize that their work is not neutral • Assets: • moral clout • tangible assets >>> divert attention to security situation >>> consider pulling out

  8. What to Do? • Acknowledge moral ambiguity • Consider charity for improving security • Don’t despair! (Dallaire, Shake Hands xviii)

More Related