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Humanitarian Aid

Selected e-articles

Abstract: Motivation What explains the fact that the humanitarian response in some crises is well funded, while other humanitarian emergencies are largely neglected? The literature identifies three groups of factors that influence aid allocations: needs in recipient countries, donor countries' interests, and agenda setting driven by media coverage; although there is debate over how relatively important these are. Purpose This study tests existing theory by adding three novel aspects. Approach and Methods First, rather than just measuring the amount of money available, we consider the share of funding that is provided against the stated requirements. Second, we measure humanitarian needs in a more detailed way than has typically been the case. Third, we use datasets that have been underutilized in the academic literature. Findings By using these three novel approaches, we confirm that all three factors—humanitarian needs, strategic interests, agenda setting—play a role. However, the most consistent factor is media coverage. We are also able to distinguish between different dimensions of need: the number of hosted refugees makes a difference, but the number of displaced people does not. We find that countries with the worst human rights situations attract lower funding levels and more democratic countries attract more funding. (…)

Abstract: Motivation The Humanitarian‐Development‐Peace Nexus (HDPN) approach emphasizes the importance of collaboration. However, there is little exploration of HDPN from a collaborative governance perspective. Purpose This study aims to analyse how the HDPN approach is applied in settings of forced migration and evaluate the application of Emerson et al.'s (2012) Integrative Framework for Collaborative Governance in these contexts. The focus is on how the four components of collaborative governance are covered in HDPN settings. Approaches and Methods The study examines 12 empirical HDPN studies in situations of forced migration. It uses the Integrative Framework for Collaborative Governance to evaluate the components of principled engagement, shared motivation, capacity for joint action and impact/adaptation. Findings The findings indicate that the framework is suitable for and relevant to the HDPN approach. Collaborative governance is shown to be necessary to improve cross‐sectoral co‐ordination, deal with complex and protracted crises, and achieve collective outcomes. (…)

Abstract:  Secrecy and silence regarding the compromises and trade-offs made by frontline humanitarians in order to achieve access, protection, efficiency and legitimacy are a widely observable but underconceptualized phenomenon in humanitarian action. As a form of “tacit engagement”, it allows humanitarian practitioners to operate in difficult settings but also implies lacking accountability, coordination and learning. There is thus a need for disentangling the productive and restraining effects of secrecy in this field. In this paper, we do so by conceptualizing these practices as forms of “tacit engagement” and relating them to political theory on secrecy and silence. Drawing on insights from expert consultations and qualitative interviews on humanitarian negotiations, we relate it to existing literatures on remote management, risk management and a culture of silence in humanitarian organizations more generally and humanitarian negotiations more specifically. In the conclusion, we work out the potentially productive and destructive effects of tacit engagement as an invitation to ethical assessment.

Abstract: Dis/association dynamics do not only emerge in contexts of global production but also in other socio-political contexts.•Dis/association agency is mobilised by lead actors and utilised by local actors and is best understood as differentiated.•In humanitarian aid, dis/associative relational dynamics determine access for local actors.•Local actors’ attempts to utilise ‘global’ dis/associations may not necessarily transform global power dynamics. Unequal relational dynamics shape struggles over value, access and positionality across geographies. The inclusion of Global South-based actors in, and their exclusion from, ‘the global’ is strengthened by practices of dis/association that simultaneously highlight positive matters and hide negative ones. Yet, the agency of the involved actors has received little conceptual or empirical attention. In this article, we address this limitation by exploring the relational dynamics between global and local humanitarian actors in disaster-affected areas. We develop a conceptual framework for differentiated dis/association agency, distinguishing between dis/associations mobilisation by international lead actors and utilisation by local actors. Empirically, we chronicle how humanitarian lead actors mobilise associations around ethical claims and dissociate unequal power dynamics and how a local business organisation in Vanuatu utilises such dis/associations as it aims to access the humanitarian system. Our study pinpoints the value of dis/association concepts beyond global production in socio-political relations.

Abstract: 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: This study examines the effect of humanitarian assistance on the movement intentions of migrants in Libya, a key transit country for irregular migration to Europe via the Central Mediterranean Route. While existing literature primarily focuses on the relationship between development aid and migration in origin–destination dyads, this study addresses the neglected role of transit countries. Using 2019 survey data on migrants in Libya and employing matching methods to mitigate selection bias, we find that humanitarian assistance does not significantly influence migrants’ intentions to migrate onward to Europe. However, the analysis reveals a significant reduction in return intentions to countries of origin, with an estimated effect indicating a relative decrease of up to 59% among aid recipients compared to non-recipients. This study complements existing literature by providing micro-level evidence that underscores the importance of transit countries in the aid-migration relationship. The findings suggest that humanitarian aid provides critical relief, deterring return migration without encouraging onward migration by loosening financial constraints. Policymakers should design aid strategies that reflect the unique dynamics of transit countries, prioritizing humanitarian assistance for its intended purpose of relief rather than as a tool for managing migration flows, where its effectiveness may be limited.

Abstract: 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: 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: 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: 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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