The shared interests which make humanitarianism possible

14/03/2012

Is humanitarian space shrinking? Are humanitarian organisations less capable than before of providing those affected by war, epidemics and natural disasters with assistance? In a new publication, "Humanitarian Negotiations Revealed – The MSF Experience", MSF looks at the difficulties encountered by aid organisations from a different angle. Based on the association’s recent experience, it argues that relief activities are not in any way linked to the existence of a humanitarian space which simply needs to be defended on ethical terms against attempts to instrumentalise it. The authors explain that the central question in terms of aid organizations gaining access to a space in which to work is their ability to reach a compromise between their interests and those of the powers in place. Thus, the question is: what is an acceptable compromise in the eyes of a humanitarian organization like MSF?