Announcement: Advanced session on humanitarian principles

In September and October 2015, PHAP is organizing a special series of live online discussions structured around the principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and independence. As part of the association’s support to the World Humanitarian Summit process, the focus of these events is less on theoretical definitions and more on the operational implications of these principles. The aim is not to “consult” directly on the principles, but rather to discuss – within the context of the principles – a series of problematic issues that have come under debate in the larger Summit consultation process.

This opening session acts as an introduction to the ensuing four events on the individual principles. It will ensure that participants understand the nature of the challenges and dilemmas involved in translating principles into operational decisions. The session will delineate the practical implications of the principles for humanitarian actors and highlight the central role of principles in interactions with government, military, and other actors. It will also emphasize the interrelationship among the four principles, providing a basis for the next sessions, which will focus in on issues that are primarily related to each of the four principles individually.

You can read more about all of the upcoming events in this series on the PHAP website.

Speaker

Learning objectives

• Understanding of the four core humanitarian principles, their definitions, and how they interrelate.
• Understanding of the nature of challenges and dilemmas involved in translating humanitarian principles into operational decisions.
• Knowledge of examples of practical implications of humanitarian principles for humanitarian actors.
• Familiarity with the role that humanitarian principles play within organizations and in their interactions with other actors.
• Clarity on the purpose, nature, and content of the upcoming series of learning events.

Prerequisite knowledge

Recommended sessions:

IHL and Core Humanitarian Principles: humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence

Assessment

PHAP members will have the possibility to undergo a two-part assessment after the session as part of the PHAP Continuous Learning Credits framework.

• Part 1: Comprehension check
• Part 2: Written reflection

Session time

Tuesday, 1 September 2015

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

Facilitator