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Humanitarian Aid

Selected e-articles

Abstract by the author: This article examines the European Union (EU) involvement and co‐ordination of a humanitarian emergency response overseas. In particular, this article will examine the reaction to Cyclones Idai and Kenneth. By combining an exponential random graph model (ERGM) with semi‐structured interviews, this article will also apply resource dependence theory in order to identify actor characteristics that conditioned exchanges within the network that responded to this incident. Hence, it provides novel empirical evidence regarding de facto responses to humanitarian emergencies that increases understanding of social dynamics among the actors involved in these efforts. The findings of this study show that the co‐ordination of the EU response generally followed a multilateral logic. However, the limited empowerment of the local community throughout the response was less consistent with the strategic aspirations of the EU. For their part, donors tended to show less activity within the network than financial aid recipients

Abstract by the authors: This paper examines whether multilevel transnational cooperation makes a difference in refugee protection, especially in protracted displacement. In response to the forced migration of millions of Syrians to Turkey starting in 2011, the EU and Turkish government published a joint statement in March 2016. The so-called EU-Turkey deal (EUTD) provided a substantial flow of money (EUR 6 billion in four years) from the EU to Turkey. In return Turkey had to commit to contain and control migration movement toward the EU. In social science, there are quite diverse evaluations of the EUTD. Whereas some studies focus on its effectiveness and efficiency in reaching the outlined goals, other publications stress its geo-political effects on migrants’ mobility and (externalized) border control. Meanwhile some studies look for points to improve the EUTD while others criticize it fundamentally. This article analyzes the involvement of different types of international governmental and non-governmental organizations (IGOs and INGOs) in the four main action fields of the EUTD and its implicit side effects on the Turkish regime of migration management. It first summarizes some crucial findings and pending questions in the social science literature.(…)

Abstract by the author: The Syrian crisis that began expanding in 2012 has sent millions of refugees into neighbouring countries and beyond and proved to be a testing ground for the European Union's new approach to humanitarian crises. Focused on European Union-funded educational programmes carried out in response to the Syrian refugee crisis in Lebanon, this article argues that the European Union's approach has nevertheless negatively impacted refugees' lives because of its embeddedness in the international regime of resilience that has gained ground in the field of refugee protection. Indeed, while the resilience regime appears to be a continuation of the neoliberal system of rule, it in fact represents a paradigmatic shift that implies political and moral retreat from donors' responsibility. Applied to refugee management, the agenda of "resilience" thus contradicts the rationale for burden-sharing that previously involved a "shared responsibility" between external donors and the hosting State. Based on Kratochwil's praxis approach, this article therefore aims to empirically expand upon the recent literature centred on "resilience" and "self-reliance" in the field of refugee management. In doing so, it demonstrates how neoliberal features of resilience further hinder refugees' lives as these features entail a total separation from an adequate rights-based approach.

Abstract by the authors:Directorate-general ECHO of the European Commission is one of the largest humanitarian aid donors globally. Projects which it funds are often implemented by its NGO partners. This article studies how ECHO’s system for assessing such projects’ final results works and to what extent it provides useful information to the donor. Theoretically, it seems likely that evaluative data produced in this context is of little value, given the financial interests of the NGOs which submit the information, methodological issues related to collecting it, and the donor’s limited capacity to process it. However, based on in-depth interviews and document analysis, we conclude that ECHO usually has sufficient human resources to analyse reports which NGOs submit to it. These documents are also informative about projects’ direct effects, but they seem less capable of assessing long-term impacts. Furthermore, such reports seem less important to ECHO than the field visits which it conducts. These findings imply that consistent monitoring of humanitarian aid projects on the ground helps to mitigate the main weakness of a system of self-evaluation by NGOs.

Abstract by the author: The European Union (EU) is a leading humanitarian actor. Over the last two decades, the EU has been responding to sudden-onset emergencies and protracted conflicts, and it has been a key player in response to emblematic crises, such as: Rwanda in 1994, Darfur in 2003, Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami in 2004, earthquake in Haiti in 2010, Ebola in 2014–2016, and Syria since 2012. As one of few donors, the EU has engaged in crises that receive little or no media attention, dedicating 16% of its funding to ‘forgotten crises’, such as the Philippines, Burkina Faso or Chad. The EU has often filled response gaps in hard-to-reach areas, e.g. in Syria, Sudan and Burundi. Its added-value has been evidenced in sectors underfunded by other donors, for instance Education in Emergencies and protection.

Abstract by the authors:: This article examines whether refugees are prime candidates for recruitment into armed groups and whether humanitarian aid to refugees impacts their choice to join armed groups. First, our original survey data of 1,358 Syrian households in Lebanon provide evidence that mobilization among the refugee population is low at baseline—the first empirical estimates of the magnitude of the rate of Syrian refugees returning home to fight. Second, leveraging as-if random assignment around a strict altitude cutoff for a United Nations cash transfer program for Syrian refugees, we find little evidence that the aid program had a large effect on mobilization. If anything, our estimates indicate a small decrease in mobilization. Our results stand in contrast to published literature arguing that refugees are prime candidates to join armed groups and humanitarian aid to refugees may support armed groups and fuel recruitment.

Abstract: This article explores the prevalent issue of sexual violence against and among humanitarian aid workers, with a focus on why the aid sector creates a particularly permissive environment for sexual violence. Although the issue is primarily an industry problem, with both perpetrators and survivors being members of the aid community, humanitarian organizations have been hesitant to address the issue. The article argues that legal ambiguities, barriers to accessing justice, and organizational mismanagement contribute to the permissive environment in the aid industry. Drawing on secondary survivor testimonies and legal frameworks, I highlight the need for more tangible prevention and follow-up mechanisms for survivors based on the legal duty of care of aid organizations. The analysis underscores the need for a comprehensive and proactive approach to addressing sexual violence within the aid sector, grounded in an understanding of power dynamics and organizational culture

Abstract by the author: A rights‐based approach (RBA) to humanitarian aid is intrinsic to Norwegian policy and should inform Norwegian aid to the Occupied Palestinian Territories, one of the main receivers of Norwegian aid. However, this is the case only to a limited extent. While Norwegian humanitarian non‐governmental organisations (NGOs) take RBA seriously, and design their projects in accordance with its principles, they are unable to pursue a programme of long‐term structural change. This is because the main duty‐bearer, Israel, is indifferent or hostile to their work, while Norway's foreign policy is given higher priority than following through a rights‐based agenda. The result of this situation is a large, long‐standing aid effort that is unable to provide more than temporary relief in a steadily deteriorating situation. The Palestinian case suggests that RBA in humanitarianism may lead to frustration rather than human liberation when not backed up by political power.

Abstract by the author: Engaging with the UN Secretary General's call for a more effective, networked and inclusive approach to multilateralism (Our Common Agenda, 2021), this paper discusses the main challenges to the implementation of the Humanitarian‐Development‐Peace Nexus concept. Institutionalised by the UN in 2016, such cross‐policy effort at global governance has been neglected by the IR and IPE literatures. To start filling this gap, the paper identifies strengths and weaknesses of multilateral inter‐agency cooperation on the Nexus approach. Based on previous research on inter‐organisational performance and regime complexity, it investigates select evidence from three organisations (UN, EU, World Bank), in pre‐ and post‐COVID‐19 contexts. Identifying tangible elements of experimentalist governance in the HDP global endeavour, the paper concludes with a synthetic overview of the comparative advantages that each organisation offers to implement the Nexus.

Abstract:  Ethical dilemmas affect several essential elements of humanitarian aid, such as the adequate selection of crises to which to provide aid and a selection of beneficiaries based on needs and not political or geostrategic criteria. Other challenges encompass maintaining neutrality against aggressors, deciding whether to collaborate with governments that violate human rights, and managing the allocation and prioritization of limited resources. Additionally, issues arise concerning the safety and protection of aid recipients, the need for cultural and political sensitivity, and recognition of the importance of local knowledge, skills, and capacity. (…)

Abstract:  The promise of innovation in humanitarian contexts has generated an expanding literature, from academics as well as practitioners. However, the field has become characterised by conceptual ambiguity and insular approaches, inhibiting the integration of findings and best practices. Therefore, this paper aims to identify the key concepts, definitions, and themes in humanitarian innovation (HI) research by applying a systematic literature review and content analysis. Based on data from 301 publications, we analyse scholarly and practitioner articles addressing the topic of humanitarian innovation. Our analysis suggests that efforts to reform the humanitarian system by leveraging innovation have been primarily ad hoc, fragmented, and serving miscellaneous separate objectives. This results in the implementation of incremental improvements, rather than transformative change throughout the sector. To bridge the gap between the various conceptualisations of HI, we propose a conceptual framework that provides a system perspective on HI, which includes the institutions, actors, contextual factors, and outputs of the system. The implications of our finding for further research and policy are discussed as well

Analysing barriers to humanitarian logistics for distributing relief aid in pre- and post-disaster situations; Kumar Tarei, Pradeep ; Manohar Gumte, Kapil ; Patnaik, Jayshree ; Suryani Oktari, Rina; International journal of disaster risk reduction, 2024-04, Vol.104, p.104388, Article 104388

Abstract:  The purpose of this paper is to analyze key challenges in implementing the relief measures of humanitarian logistics (HL) in the pre- and post-occurrence of the disaster. Analyzing the severity of barriers to humanitarian logistics assists decision-makers and policymakers in reducing societal vulnerability and ensuring efficient allocation of resources in a disastrous environment. An integrated decision-making framework comprising Grey-Delphi and Grey-DEMATEL is employed based on the survey results obtained from various experts and stakeholders in humanitarian logistics. A recent natural calamity that happened in the state of Assam, India, has been selected as a viable case study for the study. Existing barriers to HL have been identified from the prior literature. The factors are further validated by the practitioners and experts in the case context using the Grey-Delphi technique. Further, the causal-prominence relation between HL barriers is revealed by using the Grey-DEMATEL tool. The findings of the study suggest that obsolete IT infrastructure, inconsistent quality monitoring procedures of the relief aids, uncertain and complex geographical conditions, failure of early warning systems, difficulties in last-mile deliveries, and poor coordination among stakeholders serve as critical factors that hinder the efficient functioning of humanitarian logistics in the Indian context. Several managerial and theoretical implications are based on the findings of the study.

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