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

Register now

Event description

Following events focusing on the three other core principles, PHAP’s final discussion in this series will spotlight the principle of independence, looking in particular at how it relates to how humanitarian action is funded.

The principle of independence calls upon humanitarians to practice an autonomy vis-à-vis political, military, ideological, religious, or economic interests and pressures. It highlights the interrelatedness of the core principles – it acts as a precondition or an enabler of humanity, impartiality, and humanity. Independence is thus profoundly pragmatic. It defines itself not on paper or in speech but through actions.

The capacity to act impartially, to remain neutral in a given context, or even to give operational meaning to the call of humanity, all require that an organization possess certain resources, expertise, and capacity. That principle comes under consistent threat by financial constraints, for humanitarian relief requires funding, and the availability of funding often fails to align with the needs of either populations or aid agencies. The humanitarian sector appears to be particularly dependent upon institutional donor funding from key Western governments, such as the US, UK, Japan or Sweden. How does the sector reconcile this reality with the imperative to avoid the appearance of being an instrument of government policy?

There have been, and continue to be, efforts aimed at creating funding mechanisms that allow greater responsiveness to needs, or averting the outright politicization of the receiving organization. What are some of the “new” ideas in this regard? How can the humanitarian sector do better in terms of assuring their independence? From a starting assumption that greater independence is always possible, what do our expert panelists see as the promising ways forward?

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.

Tuesday, 6 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-6oct2015/register

Register now

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