It's the thought that counts: Humanitarian principles and practice in Pakistan – London, 9 November

9 November 2010 11:30 – 13:30 GMT

Venue: Overseas Development Institute, London

Also streamed online – visit the ODI website on the day of the event to watch live video coverage.

The recent floods in Pakistan are a stark reminder of the need to ensure the effectiveness of humanitarian aid. Equally important are the challenges posed by the increase in the number of attacks on humanitarian workers which appear to be perpetuated by mistrust of humanitarianism as a ‘Western’ project, the rising trend in politicisation of aid and the increasing diversity of actors engaged in humanitarian action. The universality, relevance and applicability of humanitarian principles are increasingly being challenged, especially in complex and highly politicised contexts like Pakistan and Afghanistan. The need to improve the effectiveness and accountability of the humanitarian system, especially to affected populations, has been highlighted by ALNAP’s State of the Humanitarian System report (available from http://www.alnap.org/pool/files/alnap-sohs-final.pdf) and is also a key area of focus of DFID’s ongoing humanitarian emergency response review.

This new report by ActionAid, looks at humanitarian organisations, humanitarianism and aid from the perspective of affected communities in the Swat and Buner Districts of Pakistan. It explores to what extent humanitarian principles and the humanitarian project provide a common language that binds aid organisations and affected populations. The report reviews how humanitarian assistance was delivered in the aftermath of the 2009 IDP crisis in Pakistan and whether the needs of affected populations were met. Issues of partnership between UN, INGOs and national and local NGOs and accountability to affected populations are also examined.

The speakers will draw out and discuss the key issues raised in the report and respond to questions and comments from attendees and online participants.

CHAIR: Wendy Fenton – Coordinator, Humanitarian Practice Network

SPEAKERS:
– Amany Abouzaid – Human Security Policy Coordinator, ActionAid and co-author of the report
– Samir Elhawary – Research Fellow, Humanitarian Policy Group, ODI

DISCUSSANT: Paul Harvey – Humanitarian Outcomes

Refreshments will be provided from 13:00-13:30 GMT.

For directions to ODI visit: http://www.odi.org.uk/about/contact-directions.asp.