strategy

Developing humanitarian action

Context:
Although activities to provide relief assistance and protect human rights now more clearly affirm a common commitment to human dignity, agreement has yet to be reached regarding how such activity at its most inclusive should be labelled. Some analysts, including the Humanitarianism and War Project, have defined 'humanitarian action' as encompassing both assistance and protection activities.

Political powers today are often reluctant, or simply unable, to devise political solutions for the conflicts tearing the world apart. Pure humanitarian action is too often used as a cosmetic justification for political inertia and apathy. Humanitarian operations are often launched to quell public opinion, which reacts to images of war presented by the media. Humanitarian action conceals the fact that governments are unwilling to take the risks involved in addressing the root causes of conflict. However, humanitarian action is no substitute for political settlements.

Type Classification:
G: Very Specific strategies
Related UN Sustainable Development Goals:
GOAL 1: No PovertyGOAL 2: Zero HungerGOAL 3: Good Health and Well-beingGOAL 4: Quality EducationGOAL 5: Gender EqualityGOAL 6: Clean Water and SanitationGOAL 7: Affordable and Clean EnergyGOAL 8: Decent Work and Economic GrowthGOAL 9: Industry, Innovation and InfrastructureGOAL 10: Reduced InequalityGOAL 11: Sustainable Cities and CommunitiesGOAL 12: Responsible Consumption and ProductionGOAL 13: Climate ActionGOAL 14: Life Below WaterGOAL 15: Life on LandGOAL 16: Peace and Justice Strong InstitutionsGOAL 17: Partnerships to achieve the Goal