Humanity - Practical dilemmas of principled action, 8 September

Join us on 8 September for a discussion and consultation event on the principle of humanity - the first of four events focusing on the practical dilemmas of principled humanitarian action.

The event begins with a brief expert lecture on the topic by Dr Hugo Slim, Head of Policy at the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). This will be followed by a moderated discussion among a panel of experts, featuring Sir John Holmes, Andy Hill, and Karen Welsh. Throughout the event, participants will be encouraged to participate directly in the discussion and share their perspectives through the interactive features of the event.
 

Introductory lecture on the principle of humanity

Panelists

Facilitator

Event description

PHAP’s discussion series on the core humanitarian principles starts with a focus on the principle of humanity. Less of an operational tool than other principles, humanity imbues relief activities with their humanitarian character. It defines in broad terms the nature of the work – the saving of lives and alleviation of suffering – with an attention to fundamental human dignity. Humanity thus implicates both assistance and protection. It forms a concept containing at once the sense of compassion that motivates humanitarianism and acts as a reference to its target, the single family of all human beings. Beyond those lofty ideals, though, humanity can be seen as too vague to serve as a principle guiding operational decisions.

This session will examine humanity in terms of its application. How do humanitarian agencies give programmatic meaning to the principle, to the "universality of suffering?" How do agencies resolve tensions between humanity and other principles, such as when the drive to alleviate suffering requires compromises on neutrality or independence? This operational discussion of humanity brings us to the question of ownership – humanitarians often distinguish their actions from other forms of relief on the basis of humanity being the primary motivation (i.e., contrasted against a military distributing food in order to win ‘hearts and minds’). But does the reality of humanitarian action justify such a distinction? When the private sector or military operators deliver aid, can they not claim humanity as a motivation as well?

Event time

Tuesday, 8 August 2015

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Event access

This consultation 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-8Sep2015/register