World Humanitarian Summit – Live online discussion on practical dilemmas of principled action: Neutrality

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Event description

In its series of discussions on how the core humanitarian principles relate to some of the practical issues raised in the World Humanitarian Summit consultation process, PHAP invites you to join this session on the principle of neutrality. In conflict settings there is perhaps no more certain way for humanitarians to lose access than the perception of their having chosen sides. Paradoxically, neutrality is the principle most often challenged by humanitarians themselves, viewed as prohibiting public advocacy or as interfering with organizational values such as solidarity. Many organizations have developed specific definitions or interpretations of neutrality that diverge from that of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

Neutrality functions as a key, gaining the trust of armed groups to "unlock" access to zones under their control. By establishing its neutrality, humanitarian aid – especially aid delivered to an "enemy" – demands that it be judged neither a hostile act, nor a contribution to the war efforts of the belligerent parties. The establishment of neutrality can be particularly challenging for national NGOs, who face different expectations and pressures than the international community.

In past decades, the underlying basis for neutrality has come under sustained attack by the political and military instrumentalization of the "with us or against us" discourse. This can be seen as all the more reason to adhere, to instill confidence in combatants and gain access to all communities caught up in the crisis, regardless their geographic location or political, religious, or ethnic affiliation. Yet adherence proves difficult in many contexts, especially where access to the "enemy" is blocked, or where key donor governments also play a role in the conflict. How do different organizations interpret neutrality? How do they define their duties in this regard? What measures do they put in place to demonstrate and safeguard neutrality? This session will invite a diverse set of panelists to explore these questions, with an eye to better understanding the intricacies of how neutrality works in contemporary humanitarian action.

The event begins with an expert lecture on the topic. This will be followed by a moderated discussion among a panel of experts, bringing together different points of view on the issue. The event will provide the opportunity for participants to provide their perspectives on the topic discussed, through the live chat, through posing questions to the panelists, and through live polls.

Event time

NOTE: This consultation event is preceded by a 30 minute online learning session on the same topic.

Thursday, 1 October 2015

To see when the live session will take place in your time zone, click here.

Event access

This event is targeted to members of PHAP but is open to the public. In order to join the event, please register in advance at phap.org/WHS-1oct2015/register

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Speakers

To be announced

Facilitator

Event supported by

This World Humanitarian Summit consultation event is made possible with the support of the Federal Foreign Office of Germany