The presentation given by Antonio Donino of the Feinstein International Center at the Global Humanitarian Platform Meeting in Geneva, 11 July 2007, is now available for download and raises some interesting questions.
The presentation deals with three related issues likely to affect the future of the humanitarian enterprise:
- How can we make it "of the world" rather than "of the North"?
- Has it become too institutionalized?
- Are we equipped for the black swans of the future?
Download the full document via Reliefweb.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Monday, July 2, 2007
Tufts report on Iraq available for download
The full version of the recent Tufts report on Iraq 'Taking Sides or Saving Lives: Existential Choices for the Humanitarian Enterprise in Iraq' is now available to download from their website (1.8MB pdf).
This work, led by Greg Hansen with researchers from the Feinstein International Center and involving Iraqi colleagues presently living and working in Iraq, is an in-depth, field-based study of how Iraqis caught up in the tragedy facing their country view humanitarian aid, its local relevance, and its place in the greater global politic.
The research, carried out between October and December 2006 as part of their Humanitarian Agenda 2015: Principles, Power and Perceptions project, sampled the views of over 165 Iraqis in Baghdad, regional towns, and the rural hinterland. Shiite, Sunni, and Kurdish populations were all sampled. The research also incorporates the perspectives of those involved in the humanitarian response in Iraq and builds on earlier data-gathering conducted in and around Iraq since early 2004 for the Feinstein International Center's Humanitarianism and War Project.
In recent months, this study has been the subject of debriefings in the Middle East, Europe, and North America, where it has been well received. It has contributed to a growing alarm about the severity of the humanitarian crisis in Iraq and the need to address it more effectively. Tufts welcome comment on the report and reflections on its implications for Iraqis and for aid agencies working there.
This work, led by Greg Hansen with researchers from the Feinstein International Center and involving Iraqi colleagues presently living and working in Iraq, is an in-depth, field-based study of how Iraqis caught up in the tragedy facing their country view humanitarian aid, its local relevance, and its place in the greater global politic.
The research, carried out between October and December 2006 as part of their Humanitarian Agenda 2015: Principles, Power and Perceptions project, sampled the views of over 165 Iraqis in Baghdad, regional towns, and the rural hinterland. Shiite, Sunni, and Kurdish populations were all sampled. The research also incorporates the perspectives of those involved in the humanitarian response in Iraq and builds on earlier data-gathering conducted in and around Iraq since early 2004 for the Feinstein International Center's Humanitarianism and War Project.
In recent months, this study has been the subject of debriefings in the Middle East, Europe, and North America, where it has been well received. It has contributed to a growing alarm about the severity of the humanitarian crisis in Iraq and the need to address it more effectively. Tufts welcome comment on the report and reflections on its implications for Iraqis and for aid agencies working there.
Sunday, July 1, 2007
Guidelines for Relations between U.S. Armed Forces and Non-Governmental Humanitarian Organizations in Hostile or Potentially Hostile Environments
Interaction is promoting a new set of Guidelines which hope to servie as "rules of the road" for civil-military operations in peace operations. Although firmly centred on US agencies and the US military, they make interesting reading.
Facilitated by the U.S. Institute of Peace, the Guidelines seek to mitigate frictions between military and NGO personnel over the preservation of humanitarian space in places like Afghanistan and Iraq. Principles in the Guidelines include ensuring that military personnel wear uniforms when conducting relief activities to avoid being mistaken for nongovernmental humanitarian organization representatives. Conversely, it recommends that, to the extent practical, humanitarian relief personnel avoid traveling in U.S. Armed Forces vehicles with the exception of liaison personnel.
The document is available for download from the Reliefweb website (402KB pdf).
The document is available for download from the Reliefweb website (402KB pdf).
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Global HIV Prevention Working Group Paper
Executive Summary
We should be winning in HIV prevention. There are effective means to prevent every mode of transmission; political commitment on HIV has never been stronger; and financing for HIV programs in low- and middle- income countries increased sixfold between 2001 and 2006. However, while attention to the epidemic, particularly for treatment access, has increased in recent years, the effort to reduce HIV incidence is faltering. For every patient who initiated antiretroviral therapy in 2006, six other individuals became infected with HIV (1, 2). If current trends continue, it is projected that 60 million more HIV infections will occur by 2015, and the annual number of new HIV infections will increase by 20% or more by 2012. Unless the number of new infections is sharply reduced, global efforts to make AIDS treatment widely available will become increasingly difficult, and millions more people may die as a result of preventable HIV infections. The dramatic rise in antiretroviral coverage, with global access increasing from 8% to 28% between 2003 and 2006, illustrates what the world can accomplish with strong global commitment, increased financing, and collective action. To date, a similar confluence of forces has not been applied to HIV prevention.
This challenge, pivotal to the future health and well-being of millions, is the focus of this report by the Global HIV Prevention Working Group. It offers a new analysis that examines the future course of the epidemic with and without a greatly scaled-up prevention response; surveys the latest evidence on HIV prevention access; reviews the experience in countries where such barriers have been overcome; and closes with a series of urgent recommendations to bring the promise of HIV prevention to the countries and communities that need it the most. As the report shows, even in the midst of global failure to make optimal use of available prevention strategies, a number of countries, including some of the world’s poorest, have made tangible progress in reducing the number of new HIV infections through implementation of comprehensive HIV prevention efforts. Strong evidence and replicable models exist for HIV prevention scale-up, underscoring the need to move beyond localized pilot projects to broad-based, comprehensive national programs. If comprehensive HIV prevention were brought to scale, half of the infections projected to occur by 2015 could be averted. We believe that the future need not be a legacy of the past.
The full report is available to download from the Reliefweb website (746KB pdf).
We should be winning in HIV prevention. There are effective means to prevent every mode of transmission; political commitment on HIV has never been stronger; and financing for HIV programs in low- and middle- income countries increased sixfold between 2001 and 2006. However, while attention to the epidemic, particularly for treatment access, has increased in recent years, the effort to reduce HIV incidence is faltering. For every patient who initiated antiretroviral therapy in 2006, six other individuals became infected with HIV (1, 2). If current trends continue, it is projected that 60 million more HIV infections will occur by 2015, and the annual number of new HIV infections will increase by 20% or more by 2012. Unless the number of new infections is sharply reduced, global efforts to make AIDS treatment widely available will become increasingly difficult, and millions more people may die as a result of preventable HIV infections. The dramatic rise in antiretroviral coverage, with global access increasing from 8% to 28% between 2003 and 2006, illustrates what the world can accomplish with strong global commitment, increased financing, and collective action. To date, a similar confluence of forces has not been applied to HIV prevention.
This challenge, pivotal to the future health and well-being of millions, is the focus of this report by the Global HIV Prevention Working Group. It offers a new analysis that examines the future course of the epidemic with and without a greatly scaled-up prevention response; surveys the latest evidence on HIV prevention access; reviews the experience in countries where such barriers have been overcome; and closes with a series of urgent recommendations to bring the promise of HIV prevention to the countries and communities that need it the most. As the report shows, even in the midst of global failure to make optimal use of available prevention strategies, a number of countries, including some of the world’s poorest, have made tangible progress in reducing the number of new HIV infections through implementation of comprehensive HIV prevention efforts. Strong evidence and replicable models exist for HIV prevention scale-up, underscoring the need to move beyond localized pilot projects to broad-based, comprehensive national programs. If comprehensive HIV prevention were brought to scale, half of the infections projected to occur by 2015 could be averted. We believe that the future need not be a legacy of the past.
The full report is available to download from the Reliefweb website (746KB pdf).
Friday, June 29, 2007
June
BRCS INTERNATIONAL MONTHLY BULLETIN
Bulletin on International Humanitarian News, Events and Publications
(2007:6, June)
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
BRCS International Monthly Seminar Programme
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Forthcoming seminars and workshops:
Tuesday 10th July 2007, 1pm - Catherine Chazaly (returning BRC Zimbabwe Delegate) - Addressing food and livelihood security in Home Based Care programming in Zimbabwe
Forthcoming: Charles Garraway of ILD on Cluster Munitions, date TBC
Suggestions for topics and speakers for future seminars are very welcome - please contact Laura Walker, HPP Team Coordinator (x7533).
------------------------------------------------------
NEWS
-------
Rethinking Vulnerability: an update
Over the course of the last year we have been asking staff, volunteers and partners from outside the Society to help us rethink the British Red Cross' role working with vulnerable people - to build on our strengths and discover what more we can do to support people who need us most. Vulnerability is dynamic, triggered by threats and situations, and can make different people vulnerable in different ways at different times. We can help people prepare for when vulnerability spills over into crisis, and help them respond to, or recover from it. Building on this central idea we are developing our understanding of the outcomes we want to help people achieve. For a more in depth update see the link below. The Rethinking Vulnerability framework is also attached, as well as the powerpoint which was presented to International during our June planning week.
http://intranet.redcross.org.uk/BRCS/Aroundthecorner/Vulnerability/index.htm
--
NGOs in Iraq - NGOs Coordination Committee in Iraq (NCCI)
Eight million people are estimated to be in need of immediate assistance as a consequence of the Iraq humanitarian crisis. Amongst them, 4 million are reported to be displaced and over 4 million people were considered as food insecure inside Iraq in 2005, when the overall situation was not as bad as it is today.This document aims to update readers on the context and to the ongoing need for humanitarian intervention in Iraq despite the very insecure environment and the numerous constraints faced by aid workers in the field.
http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/db900SID/LRON-737HCD?OpenDocument
--
Wahenga comment - Lesotho and Swaziland: Isn't it time we used cash instead of food to address hunger?
Reduced domestic harvests and high regional prices have adversely affected food security in Lesotho and Swaziland this year. A recent FAO/WFP assessment indicates that over 400,000 people in Swaziland are food insecure and will need 40,000 tonnes of food aid during the coming year. The FAO/WFP assessment for Lesotho has yet to be released. But is food aid the right response to this year's crisis? Both countries border South Africa, are traditionally net food importers and have strong market ties with their larger neighbour. Internally, both Lesotho and Swaziland have relatively good communication systems and extensive networks of retailers. Most, if not all, households, even in the remotest parts of the two countries, are reliant on the market to meet a large part of their staple food and other basic needs. Why provide food aid in such circumstances? Surely it would be as cheap, quicker and more market and producer friendly to look for a cash solution?
http://www.wahenga.net/index.php/views/comments_view/cash_instead_of_food/
------------------------------------------------------
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
-----------------------------
ODI Report launch and discussion: 'Remittances during crises: Implications for humanitarian response' -
Wednesday 25 July, 1.00-2.30PM, ODI, 111 Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7JD
Speakers:
Kevin Savage, Research Officer, Humanitarian Policy Group, ODI
Anna Lindley, ESRC Postdoctoral Fellow, Centre for Migration, Policy and Society, University of Oxford
Helen Young, Research Director, Nutrition and Livelihoods, Feinstein International Center
Chair: TBC
Remittances during crises, the latest report from ODI's Humanitarian Policy Group, argues that humanitarian actors could do much more to explore the complementarities between emergency relief and peoples' own efforts to support friends and family in times of crisis. This could take the form of helping to replace lost or destroyed identity cards which are needed to collect money; working with the private sector to rapidly re-establish access to telecommunications so that people can phone home; even setting up internet cafes in displacement or refugee camps.
At this ODI event, the lead author of the report, Kevin Savage, will present its findings. This will be followed by presentations from Anna Lindley and Helen Young, both of whom contributed to the report by providing country case studies on Darfur and Somalia respectively.
If you would like to attend, please send an email with your name, organisation and contact details to: meetings@odi.org.uk
------------------------------------------------------
PUBLICATIONS
------------------
NB If you would like hard copies of any of the larger downloadable publications featured here, please request them from Laura Walker, who will arrange for a library copy to be printed and dispatched to you.
------------------
HPG Report 25 - Remittances during crises: implications for humanitarian response
This latest HPG report explores how affected people use remittance income to survive and recover from crises. It also looks at the effect that crises can have on remittance flows and the way that humanitarian responses consider the role of remittances.
The study concludes that, while remittances should not be seen as a panacea or substitute for humanitarian action, there is clear potential for humanitarian actors to do more to explore the complementarities between emergency relief and people's own efforts to support friends and family in times of crisis. For this reason, the design of assistance programmes should be done in ways that complement and enhance remittance flows. This means flexible assistance programming, which enables people to combine their own resources and capacities with the resources provided through relief.
To access the project page, where you can download the full report, go to http://www.odi.org.uk/hpg/remittances.html
--
Special Issue of Disasters: Food Security in Sudan
Guest Edited by Kirsten Gelsdorf, Peter Walker and Daniel Maxwell
In Sudan, the full panoply of global change processes is veraciously being played out, to cause crisis or offer potential opportunity. Which way the pendulum swings depends on how the main actors on the ground choose to react. Famine, food insecurity and the supply of international food aid have been a constant part of the Sudan picture since the late 1960s but does it have to be that way?
This special issue of Disasters contains a selection of the best papers presented at a unique forum, organised by the World Food Programme and the Feinstein International Center at Tufts University, and held in Khartoum in June 2006. The forum encouraged WFP-Sudan to think outside the box, to imagine alternative roles to the emergency-driven food-aid distribution which had come to dominate their Sudan operations in 2005/6. WFP, along with the government of Sudan, is positioned to set an international example of what can be done with the tools at their disposal, to seize this opportunity and build a 21st century approach to the alleviation of food insecurity - to save lives and livelihoods. The papers in this special issue examine why such an approach is desperately needed and how it might be achieved.
Table of contents at http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/toc/disa/31/s1 - full issue available from the BRC Library (contact Bridget Andrews for details)
--
ALNAP paper: Slow-onset disasters: drought and food and livelihoods insecurity - Learning from previous relief and recovery responses
As the latest in a series focusing on lessons learnt from relief and recovery operations, ALNAP and the ProVention Consortium have published a briefing paper on "Slow-onset disasters: drought and food and livelihoods insecurity". The lessons are drawn from evaluations of past relief and recovery responses and cover a range of topics - including supporting livelihoods, assessment, designing effective interventions, participation, targeting, coordination, learning, and risk reduction. It also contains a list of suggested key resources for further information.
http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/lib.nsf/db900SID/OCHA-74CG5Y/$FILE/Full_Report.pdf
--
WFP - 2006 Food Aid flows
Food aid deliveries declined by 18 percent in 2006 to 6.7 million tons, its lowest level since 1973. After the small increase in 2005, food aid deliveries continued an overall declining trend. All three categories of food aid declined. Emergency food aid suffered the largest drop with 20 percent in 2006. Programme food aid declined by 19 percent and project food aid by 14 percent. This declining trend in food aid is in contrast with the rapid increase in Official Development Assistance (ODA) in recent years from almost $60 billion in 1997, an historic low, to $107 billion in 2005, the highest level ever (all in constant 2005 dollars) and $101 billion in 2006.
There appears to be an increasing gap between needs and responses. There are 146 million underweight children under the age of 5 and 820 million hungry people in the developing world. The number of natural disasters has increased from less than 250 events per year in the first half of the 1990s to more than 450 events since 2000. Climate change and the related extreme weather events are only likely to put further upward pressure on this trend.
Read more at http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/lib.nsf/db900SID/SBOI-73VKU4/$FILE/WFP_2006%20Food%20Aid%20Flows_June%202007.pdf?OpenElement
--
ISDR: Learning from Disaster Recovery: Guidance for Decision Makers - preliminary version for consulatation.
This document hopes to begin to provide a wider understanding and use of disaster risk reduction principles for more effective and enduring disaster recovery in the future. The overall objective of this report is to assist decision makers and other community leaders in their efforts to create more resilient societies through well-considered and effectively implemented recovery operations.
http://www.unisdr.org/eng/about_isdr/isdr-publications/irp/Learning-From-Disaster-Recovery.pdf
--
Characteristics, context and risk: NGO insecurity in confict zones
Larissa Fast - Disasters Volume 31 Issue 2 Page 130-154, June 2007
This paper reports on research conducted on the insecurity of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) between 1999 and 2002, with the goal of contributing to the debate on the reasons why NGO actors are targets of violence in confict settings. The research involved the collection of data from three countries-Angola, Ecuador and Sierra Leone-and exploration of the relationship between levels of insecurity, context and the characteristics of NGOs. Four risk factors appear to heighten the degree of insecurity that NGOs face: (1) carrying out multiple types of activities and providing material aid; (2)'operationality'(that is, implementing programmes and activities); (3) working with both sides of the confict; and (4) integrating into the local community. The paper discusses the methodological approach adopted for the research, the differences between ambient and situational insecurity and the fndings related to risk factors. It concludes with a summary of the study's implications.
http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/loi/disa - or from the BRC library
------------------------------------------------------
NEW PUBLICATIONS in the BRCS LIBRARY
Pick these up at the library (6th floor) or by contacting Bridget Andrews, Librarian (x7056)
All suggestions or requests for new acquisitions are welcome, either for the library or for departmental use.
Do you know that you can access journal articles from your desk? For a quick induction explaining the resources held by the library and how to use them, please contact Bridget Andrews.
------------------------------------------------
The 'protection crisis' : a review of field-based strategies for humanitarian protection in Darfur / Sara Pantuliano and Sorcha O'Callaghan (ODI, 2006)
The paper analyses the evolution and impact of the conflict in Darfur and examines the response by the international community, using the ICRC 'egg framework' which breaks down the response into responsive action, remedial action and environment-building. This is followed by an analysis of the challenges encountered by humanitarian agencies undertaking protection programming in Darfur, and of the gaps in the response, as well as a discussion of the politics of protection and the dilemmas of leadership and co-ordination.
Shelfmark: 3.5 PAN
--
Contingency planning and humanitarian action : a review of practice / Richard Choularton (ODI, 2007)
Paper exploring the current process and practice of contingency planning in humanitarian organisations, setting out the key terms and concepts, looking at the planning process and explaining the main models used. The aim is to identify the remaining problems in the field and suggest a way forward.
Shelfmark: 5.3 CHO
--
Effective consultancies in development and humanitarian programmes / John Rowley and Frances Rubin (Oxfam GB, 2006)
This book is intended for both staff in NGOs who use and work with consultants, and for people who provide or are thinking of providing consultancy services in the field of international aid and development. It covers the whole process of a consultancy, from deciding on the need and scope to assessing the results, including legal, financial and ethical concerns.
Shelfmark: 10.3 ROW
--
Measuring vulnerability to natural hazards : towards disaster resilient societies / edited by Jörn Birkmann (United Nations University Press, 2006)
A broad range of current approaches to measuring vulnerability, providing an overview of different concepts at the global, regional, national and local levels. Contributors analyse the strengths and limitations of qualitative and quantative approaches to vulnerability assessment. The book includes experiences and examples to illustrate the theoretical analyses, and also draws attention to issues with insufficient coverage, such as the environmental and institutional dimensions of vulnerability, and methods to combine different methodologies.
Shelfmark: 5.4 MEA
--
Toolkits : a practical guide to planning. monitoring, evaluation and impact assessment / Louisa Gosling with Mike Edwards. 2nd ed. (Save the Children, 2003)
The first section looks at the importance of the planning and evaluation process in development and relief work. The second begins by covering the underlying principles for the process, namely involvement of the relevant people; recognition of differences and avoidance of discrimination; systematic analysis and collection of information. It then deals in detail with the processes involved in planning, monitoring, review, evaluation, and impact assessment. The final section describes in detail the different tools and techniques referred to in previous chapters.
Shelfmark: 6.32 GOS. Second copy held by Disaster Management
--
Utilization-focused evaluation : the new century text / Michael Quinn Patton. 3rd ed. (SAGE, 1997)
Guidance on how and why to conduct programme evaluations that can contribute to the effectiveness of the programme. Each chapter includes a review of the literature, case examples and practical tools.
Shelfmark: 10.3 PAT
--
Tools for knowledge and learning : a guide for development and humanitarian organisations / Ben Ramalingam (ODI, 2006)
Tools for strategy development; management techniques; collaboration mechanisms; knowledge sharing and learning; and capturing and storing knowledge. Illustrative examples are taken from development and humanitarian projects.
Shelfmark: 14.1 RAM
------------------------------------------------------
Contribute to this bulletin by e-mailing submissions and feedback to Laura Walker, HPP PA (x7533).
Bulletin on International Humanitarian News, Events and Publications
(2007:6, June)
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
BRCS International Monthly Seminar Programme
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Forthcoming seminars and workshops:
Tuesday 10th July 2007, 1pm - Catherine Chazaly (returning BRC Zimbabwe Delegate) - Addressing food and livelihood security in Home Based Care programming in Zimbabwe
Forthcoming: Charles Garraway of ILD on Cluster Munitions, date TBC
Suggestions for topics and speakers for future seminars are very welcome - please contact Laura Walker, HPP Team Coordinator (x7533).
------------------------------------------------------
NEWS
-------
Rethinking Vulnerability: an update
Over the course of the last year we have been asking staff, volunteers and partners from outside the Society to help us rethink the British Red Cross' role working with vulnerable people - to build on our strengths and discover what more we can do to support people who need us most. Vulnerability is dynamic, triggered by threats and situations, and can make different people vulnerable in different ways at different times. We can help people prepare for when vulnerability spills over into crisis, and help them respond to, or recover from it. Building on this central idea we are developing our understanding of the outcomes we want to help people achieve. For a more in depth update see the link below. The Rethinking Vulnerability framework is also attached, as well as the powerpoint which was presented to International during our June planning week.
http://intranet.redcross.org.uk/BRCS/Aroundthecorner/Vulnerability/index.htm
--
NGOs in Iraq - NGOs Coordination Committee in Iraq (NCCI)
Eight million people are estimated to be in need of immediate assistance as a consequence of the Iraq humanitarian crisis. Amongst them, 4 million are reported to be displaced and over 4 million people were considered as food insecure inside Iraq in 2005, when the overall situation was not as bad as it is today.This document aims to update readers on the context and to the ongoing need for humanitarian intervention in Iraq despite the very insecure environment and the numerous constraints faced by aid workers in the field.
http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/db900SID/LRON-737HCD?OpenDocument
--
Wahenga comment - Lesotho and Swaziland: Isn't it time we used cash instead of food to address hunger?
Reduced domestic harvests and high regional prices have adversely affected food security in Lesotho and Swaziland this year. A recent FAO/WFP assessment indicates that over 400,000 people in Swaziland are food insecure and will need 40,000 tonnes of food aid during the coming year. The FAO/WFP assessment for Lesotho has yet to be released. But is food aid the right response to this year's crisis? Both countries border South Africa, are traditionally net food importers and have strong market ties with their larger neighbour. Internally, both Lesotho and Swaziland have relatively good communication systems and extensive networks of retailers. Most, if not all, households, even in the remotest parts of the two countries, are reliant on the market to meet a large part of their staple food and other basic needs. Why provide food aid in such circumstances? Surely it would be as cheap, quicker and more market and producer friendly to look for a cash solution?
http://www.wahenga.net/index.php/views/comments_view/cash_instead_of_food/
------------------------------------------------------
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
-----------------------------
ODI Report launch and discussion: 'Remittances during crises: Implications for humanitarian response' -
Wednesday 25 July, 1.00-2.30PM, ODI, 111 Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7JD
Speakers:
Kevin Savage, Research Officer, Humanitarian Policy Group, ODI
Anna Lindley, ESRC Postdoctoral Fellow, Centre for Migration, Policy and Society, University of Oxford
Helen Young, Research Director, Nutrition and Livelihoods, Feinstein International Center
Chair: TBC
Remittances during crises, the latest report from ODI's Humanitarian Policy Group, argues that humanitarian actors could do much more to explore the complementarities between emergency relief and peoples' own efforts to support friends and family in times of crisis. This could take the form of helping to replace lost or destroyed identity cards which are needed to collect money; working with the private sector to rapidly re-establish access to telecommunications so that people can phone home; even setting up internet cafes in displacement or refugee camps.
At this ODI event, the lead author of the report, Kevin Savage, will present its findings. This will be followed by presentations from Anna Lindley and Helen Young, both of whom contributed to the report by providing country case studies on Darfur and Somalia respectively.
If you would like to attend, please send an email with your name, organisation and contact details to: meetings@odi.org.uk
------------------------------------------------------
PUBLICATIONS
------------------
NB If you would like hard copies of any of the larger downloadable publications featured here, please request them from Laura Walker, who will arrange for a library copy to be printed and dispatched to you.
------------------
HPG Report 25 - Remittances during crises: implications for humanitarian response
This latest HPG report explores how affected people use remittance income to survive and recover from crises. It also looks at the effect that crises can have on remittance flows and the way that humanitarian responses consider the role of remittances.
The study concludes that, while remittances should not be seen as a panacea or substitute for humanitarian action, there is clear potential for humanitarian actors to do more to explore the complementarities between emergency relief and people's own efforts to support friends and family in times of crisis. For this reason, the design of assistance programmes should be done in ways that complement and enhance remittance flows. This means flexible assistance programming, which enables people to combine their own resources and capacities with the resources provided through relief.
To access the project page, where you can download the full report, go to http://www.odi.org.uk/hpg/remittances.html
--
Special Issue of Disasters: Food Security in Sudan
Guest Edited by Kirsten Gelsdorf, Peter Walker and Daniel Maxwell
In Sudan, the full panoply of global change processes is veraciously being played out, to cause crisis or offer potential opportunity. Which way the pendulum swings depends on how the main actors on the ground choose to react. Famine, food insecurity and the supply of international food aid have been a constant part of the Sudan picture since the late 1960s but does it have to be that way?
This special issue of Disasters contains a selection of the best papers presented at a unique forum, organised by the World Food Programme and the Feinstein International Center at Tufts University, and held in Khartoum in June 2006. The forum encouraged WFP-Sudan to think outside the box, to imagine alternative roles to the emergency-driven food-aid distribution which had come to dominate their Sudan operations in 2005/6. WFP, along with the government of Sudan, is positioned to set an international example of what can be done with the tools at their disposal, to seize this opportunity and build a 21st century approach to the alleviation of food insecurity - to save lives and livelihoods. The papers in this special issue examine why such an approach is desperately needed and how it might be achieved.
Table of contents at http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/toc/disa/31/s1 - full issue available from the BRC Library (contact Bridget Andrews for details)
--
ALNAP paper: Slow-onset disasters: drought and food and livelihoods insecurity - Learning from previous relief and recovery responses
As the latest in a series focusing on lessons learnt from relief and recovery operations, ALNAP and the ProVention Consortium have published a briefing paper on "Slow-onset disasters: drought and food and livelihoods insecurity". The lessons are drawn from evaluations of past relief and recovery responses and cover a range of topics - including supporting livelihoods, assessment, designing effective interventions, participation, targeting, coordination, learning, and risk reduction. It also contains a list of suggested key resources for further information.
http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/lib.nsf/db900SID/OCHA-74CG5Y/$FILE/Full_Report.pdf
--
WFP - 2006 Food Aid flows
Food aid deliveries declined by 18 percent in 2006 to 6.7 million tons, its lowest level since 1973. After the small increase in 2005, food aid deliveries continued an overall declining trend. All three categories of food aid declined. Emergency food aid suffered the largest drop with 20 percent in 2006. Programme food aid declined by 19 percent and project food aid by 14 percent. This declining trend in food aid is in contrast with the rapid increase in Official Development Assistance (ODA) in recent years from almost $60 billion in 1997, an historic low, to $107 billion in 2005, the highest level ever (all in constant 2005 dollars) and $101 billion in 2006.
There appears to be an increasing gap between needs and responses. There are 146 million underweight children under the age of 5 and 820 million hungry people in the developing world. The number of natural disasters has increased from less than 250 events per year in the first half of the 1990s to more than 450 events since 2000. Climate change and the related extreme weather events are only likely to put further upward pressure on this trend.
Read more at http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/lib.nsf/db900SID/SBOI-73VKU4/$FILE/WFP_2006%20Food%20Aid%20Flows_June%202007.pdf?OpenElement
--
ISDR: Learning from Disaster Recovery: Guidance for Decision Makers - preliminary version for consulatation.
This document hopes to begin to provide a wider understanding and use of disaster risk reduction principles for more effective and enduring disaster recovery in the future. The overall objective of this report is to assist decision makers and other community leaders in their efforts to create more resilient societies through well-considered and effectively implemented recovery operations.
http://www.unisdr.org/eng/about_isdr/isdr-publications/irp/Learning-From-Disaster-Recovery.pdf
--
Characteristics, context and risk: NGO insecurity in confict zones
Larissa Fast - Disasters Volume 31 Issue 2 Page 130-154, June 2007
This paper reports on research conducted on the insecurity of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) between 1999 and 2002, with the goal of contributing to the debate on the reasons why NGO actors are targets of violence in confict settings. The research involved the collection of data from three countries-Angola, Ecuador and Sierra Leone-and exploration of the relationship between levels of insecurity, context and the characteristics of NGOs. Four risk factors appear to heighten the degree of insecurity that NGOs face: (1) carrying out multiple types of activities and providing material aid; (2)'operationality'(that is, implementing programmes and activities); (3) working with both sides of the confict; and (4) integrating into the local community. The paper discusses the methodological approach adopted for the research, the differences between ambient and situational insecurity and the fndings related to risk factors. It concludes with a summary of the study's implications.
http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/loi/disa - or from the BRC library
------------------------------------------------------
NEW PUBLICATIONS in the BRCS LIBRARY
Pick these up at the library (6th floor) or by contacting Bridget Andrews, Librarian (x7056)
All suggestions or requests for new acquisitions are welcome, either for the library or for departmental use.
Do you know that you can access journal articles from your desk? For a quick induction explaining the resources held by the library and how to use them, please contact Bridget Andrews.
------------------------------------------------
The 'protection crisis' : a review of field-based strategies for humanitarian protection in Darfur / Sara Pantuliano and Sorcha O'Callaghan (ODI, 2006)
The paper analyses the evolution and impact of the conflict in Darfur and examines the response by the international community, using the ICRC 'egg framework' which breaks down the response into responsive action, remedial action and environment-building. This is followed by an analysis of the challenges encountered by humanitarian agencies undertaking protection programming in Darfur, and of the gaps in the response, as well as a discussion of the politics of protection and the dilemmas of leadership and co-ordination.
Shelfmark: 3.5 PAN
--
Contingency planning and humanitarian action : a review of practice / Richard Choularton (ODI, 2007)
Paper exploring the current process and practice of contingency planning in humanitarian organisations, setting out the key terms and concepts, looking at the planning process and explaining the main models used. The aim is to identify the remaining problems in the field and suggest a way forward.
Shelfmark: 5.3 CHO
--
Effective consultancies in development and humanitarian programmes / John Rowley and Frances Rubin (Oxfam GB, 2006)
This book is intended for both staff in NGOs who use and work with consultants, and for people who provide or are thinking of providing consultancy services in the field of international aid and development. It covers the whole process of a consultancy, from deciding on the need and scope to assessing the results, including legal, financial and ethical concerns.
Shelfmark: 10.3 ROW
--
Measuring vulnerability to natural hazards : towards disaster resilient societies / edited by Jörn Birkmann (United Nations University Press, 2006)
A broad range of current approaches to measuring vulnerability, providing an overview of different concepts at the global, regional, national and local levels. Contributors analyse the strengths and limitations of qualitative and quantative approaches to vulnerability assessment. The book includes experiences and examples to illustrate the theoretical analyses, and also draws attention to issues with insufficient coverage, such as the environmental and institutional dimensions of vulnerability, and methods to combine different methodologies.
Shelfmark: 5.4 MEA
--
Toolkits : a practical guide to planning. monitoring, evaluation and impact assessment / Louisa Gosling with Mike Edwards. 2nd ed. (Save the Children, 2003)
The first section looks at the importance of the planning and evaluation process in development and relief work. The second begins by covering the underlying principles for the process, namely involvement of the relevant people; recognition of differences and avoidance of discrimination; systematic analysis and collection of information. It then deals in detail with the processes involved in planning, monitoring, review, evaluation, and impact assessment. The final section describes in detail the different tools and techniques referred to in previous chapters.
Shelfmark: 6.32 GOS. Second copy held by Disaster Management
--
Utilization-focused evaluation : the new century text / Michael Quinn Patton. 3rd ed. (SAGE, 1997)
Guidance on how and why to conduct programme evaluations that can contribute to the effectiveness of the programme. Each chapter includes a review of the literature, case examples and practical tools.
Shelfmark: 10.3 PAT
--
Tools for knowledge and learning : a guide for development and humanitarian organisations / Ben Ramalingam (ODI, 2006)
Tools for strategy development; management techniques; collaboration mechanisms; knowledge sharing and learning; and capturing and storing knowledge. Illustrative examples are taken from development and humanitarian projects.
Shelfmark: 14.1 RAM
------------------------------------------------------
Contribute to this bulletin by e-mailing submissions and feedback to Laura Walker, HPP PA (x7533).
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
May
BRCS INTERNATIONAL MONTHLY BULLETIN
Bulletin on International Humanitarian News, Events and Publications
(2007:5, May)
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
BRCS International Monthly Seminar Programme
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
15th May 2007, 2-5pm, Lecture Theatre
Monitoring & Evaluation Workshop
This informal workshop will be based in part on INTRAC's Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation course and so will include a review of the fundamentals of monitoring and evaluation. It is also an opportunity to share our own monitoring and evaluation knowledge and experience and to discuss the resources we have and tools we use.
=========================================
Forthcoming seminars and workshops:
17th May 2007, 1-2pm Lecture Theatre
**Andrew Simms Lecture postponed** - watch this space for alternative event!
31st May 2007, 1-2pm Lecture Theatre
Vulnerability and Capacity Assessment - a tool for the RC - Terry Cannon, University of Greenwich
June/July 2007 (date and time tbc)
The Humanitarian Impact of Climate Change - Andrew Simms, New Economics Foundation
Suggestions for topics and speakers for future seminars are very welcome - please contact Laura Walker, HPP Team Coordinator (x7533).
------------------------------------------------------
NEWS
-------
2006 DISASTER FIGURES RELEASED
CRED, The Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters, has just released its figures for 2006. As the most reliable source of disaster data worldwide, it presents 2006 as the return of a kind of "normality" after recent years of catastrophic events. Normal or not, more than 23 000 people were killed, 143 million estimated to be affected and 34.6 billion US dollars the economic loss. Floods and windstorms continue to be the most economically costly disasters, and floods are on continuous rise during the last fifty years. Surprisingly, four European countries are found on the global top-ten list of deaths, namely Belgium, France and Netherlands (heatwave) and Ukraine (coldwave), probably in the first three cases because of good reporting on excessive deaths in extreme weather situations, based on learning from the 2003 heatwave.
http://www.cred.be
--
UN OCHA launches appeal to strengthen humanitarian response capacity
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is today launching a $62.5 million inter-agency Appeal for Building Global Humanitarian Response Capacity in eleven sectors: agriculture, camp coordination and camp management, early recovery, education, emergency shelter, emergency telecommunications, health, logistics, nutrition, protection, and water, sanitation and hygiene. The appeal follows a comprehensive analysis of the international response to emergencies. It is part of an ambitious humanitarian reform agenda agreed in 2005. Partners in the global capacity-building exercise include United Nations (UN) agencies, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
Activities included in the appeal cover global-level capacity-building in three main areas: building rosters of expert staff for rapid deployment; ensuring adequate commonly-accessible stockpiles at the global level; and developing common standards, systems, and tools for international emergency response.
Full press release available online at http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/db900SID/EGUA-72LM6Q?OpenDocument
--
Audio recording and speaking notes from recent ODI event 'The Limits of Humanitarianism' now available online
At this ALNAP and ODI event (27.03.07), Hugo Slim and Tony Vaux presented and discussed the chapters they wrote for this year's ALNAP Review of Humanitarian Action. As Randolph Kent, the Director of the Humanitarian Futures Programme, wrote in his endorsement of the Review, 'the contributors to this year's edition proffer perspectives and recommendations that humanitarian organisations ignore at their peril.'
http://www.odi.org.uk/speeches/alnapRHA_mar07/
--
Audio and note from the launch of Austen Davis' 'Concerning accountability in Humanitarian Action' (HPG Network Paper 58) now available online
One of the most frequently heard criticisms of humanitarian action is that it is unaccountable and unregulated. At this event, which we reported on in an earlier Bulletin (2007:3), Austen Davis asks whether schemes designed to improve accountability really are the solution to the problems humanitarianism faces today and proposes a more productive route for reform.
http://www.odihpn.org/documents/NP58launchreport.pdf
--
DFID and FCO should merge? Audio and documents from 'Does foreign aid really work' event now available online
At this recent ODI/OUP event Sir Mike Aaronson, former director of the Save the Children Fund, controversially suggested that DFID should be merged back into the FCO. Listen to full audio and read related documents online at the ODI site.
http://www.odi.org.uk/events/foreignaid_april07/
--
TEC Synthesis Report Expanded Summary now available
As with the full Synthesis Report, this summary clearly describes the tsunami context and the disaster response. Its main focus, however, is on the four key recommendations of the Synthesis Report and some of the practical implications of taking these forward. In comparison with the full 175-page Synthesis, the language and contents of this report have been simplified, and the figures and photographs increase its accessibility as well as create a useful reference guide.
If you would like copies of this report let Laura Walker know (x7533) and I will order some from ODI. Otherwise available online at http://www.tsunami-evaluation.org/NR/rdonlyres/32424F75-2C95-41BB-8D22-FA6867C67A96/0/Syn_Report_Sum.pdf
--
THE 12TH GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT COURSE
4th TO 16th JUNE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF LONDON UNION IN MALLET STREET, WC1. (repeated in November)
Over the last 4 years over 200 people have taken part in this short, very intensive and effective introduction to the issues that confront the Third World. The course consists of a total of 12 session of 2 hours each, concentrating in turn on finance, health, education, international aid and the UN system, trade, migration and refugees, and so on.
Personnel from all the major development agencies, including OXFAM, ActionAid, Save the Children Fund, CAFOD, Christian Aid, WaterAid, the House of Commons, and many others have attended over the years. It has also been attended by people contemplating a higher degree in one of the relevant fields of work and from teachers of geography and economics. The speakers are all highly qualified with current fieldwork experience.
http://www.ethical-events.org/gdc
--
On the ODI blogs this week: Is Sir Mike Aaronson right to call for DFID to be merged back into the FCO?
Simon Maxwell, ODI director, notes that participants at the launch of Roger Riddell's new book, 'Does Foreign Aid Really Work?' at ODI last week were surprised to hear Sir Mike Aaronson, former director of the Save the Children Fund, suggest that DFID should be merged back into the FCO.
http://blogs.odi.org.uk/blogs/main/archive/2007/05/03/2531.aspx
------------------------------------------------------
ahe Limits of Humanitaria
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
-----------------------------
Civilian protection and humanitarian advocacy: Strategies and dilemmas
Wednesday 23 May, 1.00-2.30PM
ODI, 111 Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7JD
Humanitarian actors increasingly construe their role not just as relief providers, but as advocates for the victims of crises. Reflecting in part a greater integration between political and humanitarian agendas, this development exposes divergent views of humanitarianism and involves complex choices for operational humanitarian actors. The work of humanitarian actors in protection is frequently contingent on their ability to influence military and political actors, both local and international. However, advocacy - at least in its more public and denunciatory forms - has potentially serious negative implications for operational aid organisations, most notably in relation to access and staff security. Drawing on examples from field settings, this meeting will examine advocacy undertaken by humanitarian organisations to promote civilian welfare and security and its implication for other programming.
Chair: Sorcha O'Callaghan, Research Officer, Humanitarian Policy Group, ODI
Speakers: Marc DuBois, Head of Humanitarian Affairs, MSF-Holland; Edmund Cairns, Senior Policy Adviser (Research), Oxfam GB; and Prof Hazel Smith, Department of International Relations, University of Warwick
To attend contact meetings@odi.org.uk
--
Workshop: The Link between HIV and AIDS and Food Insecurity: Exploring the Evidence
run by CARE International, ODI and Concern Worldwide UK
ODI, 25th May 2007
We have organised this workshop to provide an opportunity for NGO practitioners, research institutions, advocates and policy makers to explore the links between HIV and AIDS and Food Security. The objectives of the meeting include the following:
-To share knowledge, ideas and experiences on practical implementation of interventions tackling Food Security and HIV and AIDS as interrelated issues.
- To explore potential research questions and possible research methodologies
- To discuss ways of strengthening the debate and action on food security and HIV and AIDS
To confirm your participation, please contact s.wooldridge@odi.org.uk. Please bear in mind that seats are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis.
--
MSF DISCUSSION EVENINGS 2007
The Castle Pub at Farringdon, London
THE INTEGRATION AGENDA: COHERENCE OR CO-OPTION?
Tuesday 29 May, 6:30 to 8:30pm
The logic of coherence is driving the agenda of the UN and of main donors and members of the Security Council. By coordinating efforts of political, military and humanitarian agencies they expect to improve the effectiveness of the aid provided. Tonight's discussion will analyse this new agenda and measure its importance in international politics today. We will look at the potential advantages and disadvantages of such an approach, particularly for the humanitarian world.
Facilitator: Paul Harvey, Research Fellow, Humanitarian Policy Group, Overseas Development Institute.
Speakers: Fabrice Weissman, Researcher, MSF France; Jamie McGoldrick, OCHA (to be confirmed); Katy Attfield, Senior Civil Military Advisor, Department for International Development (DFID).
Please note that numbers are limited. It is recommended that you register your attendance at any of these events through the following link: http://www.uk2.msf.org/discussionevenings2007
--
Book Launch: A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier
Ishmael Beah, author and Sorious Samura, journalist & film-maker
Wednesday May 30th, 6.30pmm Brunei Suite, SOAS, Russell Square, WC1H
'A Long Way Gone is one of the most important war stories of our generation. We ignore its message at our peril' Sebastian Junger.
Ishmael Beah, now 25 years old, was 12 and in his homeland of Sierra Leone when he fled attacking rebels and wandered a land rendered unrecognizable by violence. By thirteen, he'd been picked up by the government army and had become one of the estimated 300,000 child soldiers in the 50 current conflicts worldwide. Ishmael Beah came to the United States when he was seventeen and graduated from Oberlin College in 2004. He is a member of the Human Rights Watch Children's Rights Division Advisory Committee and has spoken before the United Nations on several occasions. He lives in New York City. Followed by a reception.
RSVP to ras_resesarch@soas.ac.uk
--
IRC-UK 2007 ANNUAL LECTURE - THE POLITICS OF HUMANITARIANISM AFTER IRAQ
SIR MARK MALLOCH BROWN KCMG - Former Deputy Secretary General, United Nations
Monday 25 June, 2007 at 7.00pm at The Royal Geographical Society
All proceeds will go towards IRC-UK's work worldwide with those affected or displaced by conflict and violence.
For information or to book tickets please call IRC-UK on 020 7692 2737, or email events@ircuk.org ,
------------------------------------------------------
PUBLICATIONS
------------------
NB If you would like hard copies of any of the larger downloadable publications featured here, please request them from Laura Walker, who will arrange for a library copy to be printed and dispatched to you.
------------------
Joint Theme Issue of Development Policy Review and Disasters: Cash Transfers
In a unique initiative Development Policy Review and Disasters have published simultaneous theme issues on cash transfers. The issues consider the political, financial and operational challenges associated with increased use of cash for governments, donors and NGOs. Development Policy Review, guest edited by John Farrington and Rachel Slater, considers growing experience with cash transfers in development in Africa and Asia and draws on lessons learned from the implementation of cash transfer schemes in Latin America. The Disasters part-theme issue, edited by Paul Harvey, explores recent experience with cash transfers in emergencies, including the Asian tsunami and post-conflict scenarios, and shows that cash transfers can be implemented rapidly and at scale.
Free articles and contents details available online at http://www.blackwellpublishing.com/journal.asp?ref=0361-3666%20
Both journals available from the BRC Library (contact Bridget Andrews for more information).
--
IASC Interim Self-Assessment of Implementation of the Cluster Approach in the Field
During the IASC Working Group in July 2006, OCHA was requested "to lead a process to evaluate the cluster approach in the pilot countries."Given that field implementation had been delayed for a number of reasons, including lack of guidance and funding, it was felt that an interim self-assessment, rather than an evaluation (internal or external) would be more appropriate at this point in time.
The Interim Self-Assessment is a progress report and is not intended to be a comprehensive evaluation of the cluster approach. Such an evaluation is expected to take place in late 2007. The Self-Assessment is intended to highlight main trends, themes and lessons from field experience, in order to inform IASC Working Group and Principals'discussions about the implementation of the cluster approach in the coming year.
http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/lib.nsf/db900SID/JBRN-72ZKTQ/$FILE/IASC_humanitarianreform_nov06.pdf
--
Journal of Humanitarian Assistance Redesigned, Relaunched
JHA offers the humanitarian assistance community the opportunity to receive and provide rapid public feedback on cutting-edge ideas. This community includes humanitarian field workers and agency officials, scholars and researchers, government officials and residents of countries affected by crises and disasters, and donor agency officials. Though papers are not peer-reviewed before publication, the site allows and indeed encourages readers to comment immediately and publicly on each piece.
Since the relaunch, four new papers have been published:
* "Political Complexities of Humanitarian Intervention in the Pakistan Earthquake" - Bamforth & Qureshi
* "International Organisations in Mindanao: To Protect or Not?" - Chaulia
* "Social-networking web systems: Opportunities for humanitarian information management" - Ziesche
* "UNHCR Policy and Practice: Confronting Calls for Change" - Cochrane
All available online at http://www.jha.ac.
--
Changing aid delivery and the environment by Neil Bird and Lidia Cabral, ODI Briefing Paper, March 2007.
Aid delivery has been transformed in recent years, with a progressive shift from project support to more upstream mechanisms - the so-called 'programmatic' approaches. At the same time there has been a relative decline in donor spending on the environment, and a reduction in the use of environmental advisers in country. This Paper examines how environmental objectives are pursued by donors in a context where aid delivery mechanisms are changing. http://www.odi.org.uk/publications/redirect/2.html
------------------------------------------------------
NEW PUBLICATIONS in the BRCS LIBRARY
Pick these up at the library (6th floor) or by contacting Bridget Andrews, Librarian (x7056)
All suggestions or requests for new acquisitions are welcome, either for the library or for departmental use.
Do you know that you can access journal articles from your desk? For a quick induction explaining the resources held by the library and how to use them, please contact Bridget Andrews.
------------------------------------------------
Cash-transfer programming in emergencies / edited by Pantaleo Creti and Susanne Jaspars (Oxfam GB, 2006)
Draws on the practical experience of Oxfam and other agencies to present the rationale behind cash-transfer programmes, explain how to assess whether cash is the most appropriate response to a given emergency, and compare different types of cash intervention.
Shelfmark: 5.3 CAS
--
Transitional settlement : displaced populations / executive editors and lead authors Tom Corsellis and Antonella Vitale (Oxfam GB, 2005)
Guidelines offering planning tools for developing and implementing settlement and shelter strategies for people affected by conflict or natural disaster. Part a gives a broad overview of the issues relating to transitional settlement and the six settlement options open to displaced populations. Part b offers technical information as a reference for the implementation of transitional settlement options.
Shelfmark: 6.55 COR
--
Disability, equality and human rights : a training manual for development and humanitarian organisations / Alison Harris with Sue Enfield (Oxfam GB, 2003)
Manual designed both for disabled people's organisations seeking to raise awareness and implement equality programmes, and for the humanitarian and development community seeking to ensure that disabled people are equal participants in their emergency response and development programmes. Part one looks at the principles behind Disability Equality training, drawing on Oxfam's experience working with disabled people's organisations in Kosovo. Part two contains materials for training Disability Equality trainers, including workshop activities, facilitator's notes and handouts.
Shelfmark: 13.78 HAR
--
Characteristics, Conflict and Risk: NGO Insecurity in conflict zones
Larissa Fast
Disasters Vol 31 No. 2, June 2007, 130-154
Results of research on three countries-Angola, Ecuador and Sierra Leone-and exploration of the relationship between levels of insecurity, context and the characteristics of NGOs.
--
Conflict, camps and coercion: the ongoing livelihoods crisis in Darfur
Margie Buchanan-Smith and Susanne Jaspers
This paper presents the findings of a study commissioned by World Food Programme (WFP) in early 2006 to enhance understanding of how the conflict in Darfur has affected livelihoods and markets, and of the effects of food aid. The paper proposes a number of preconditions for investment in recovery in Darfur, and recommends ways in which livelihoods can be supported in the current context of ongoing conflict.
Disasters Vol. 31 No. S1 March 2007, 57-76, or online: http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1467-7717.2007.00349.x
--
Increasing strategic accountability: a framework for international NGOs
Sue Cavill and M. Sohail
This paper presents a conceptual framework for exploring INGO accountability, based on information collected through a literature review and semi-structured interviews with representatives from 20 UK-based INGOs. The research found that INGOs tend to use a number of quality-assurance mechanisms to achieve 'practical' accountability. However, it is suggested that this kind of accountability will not necessarily enable INGOs to achieve their missions to alleviate poverty and eliminate injustice. Furthermore, the predominant use of practical accountability has led to a number of gaps in INGO accountability. It is suggested that, like the term participation before it, accountability has been co-opted for its instrumental benefits to INGO project performance and management. It is argued that if INGOs are to achieve their missions, this will require more 'strategic' forms of accountability geared towards fundamentally changing those social, economic, and political structures that promote poverty.
Development in Practice, Vol. 17 No. 2, April 2007, 231
------------------------------------------------------
Contribute to this bulletin by e-mailing submissions and feedback to Laura Walker, HPP PA (x7533).
Bulletin on International Humanitarian News, Events and Publications
(2007:5, May)
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
BRCS International Monthly Seminar Programme
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
15th May 2007, 2-5pm, Lecture Theatre
Monitoring & Evaluation Workshop
This informal workshop will be based in part on INTRAC's Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation course and so will include a review of the fundamentals of monitoring and evaluation. It is also an opportunity to share our own monitoring and evaluation knowledge and experience and to discuss the resources we have and tools we use.
=========================================
Forthcoming seminars and workshops:
17th May 2007, 1-2pm Lecture Theatre
**Andrew Simms Lecture postponed** - watch this space for alternative event!
31st May 2007, 1-2pm Lecture Theatre
Vulnerability and Capacity Assessment - a tool for the RC - Terry Cannon, University of Greenwich
June/July 2007 (date and time tbc)
The Humanitarian Impact of Climate Change - Andrew Simms, New Economics Foundation
Suggestions for topics and speakers for future seminars are very welcome - please contact Laura Walker, HPP Team Coordinator (x7533).
------------------------------------------------------
NEWS
-------
2006 DISASTER FIGURES RELEASED
CRED, The Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters, has just released its figures for 2006. As the most reliable source of disaster data worldwide, it presents 2006 as the return of a kind of "normality" after recent years of catastrophic events. Normal or not, more than 23 000 people were killed, 143 million estimated to be affected and 34.6 billion US dollars the economic loss. Floods and windstorms continue to be the most economically costly disasters, and floods are on continuous rise during the last fifty years. Surprisingly, four European countries are found on the global top-ten list of deaths, namely Belgium, France and Netherlands (heatwave) and Ukraine (coldwave), probably in the first three cases because of good reporting on excessive deaths in extreme weather situations, based on learning from the 2003 heatwave.
http://www.cred.be
--
UN OCHA launches appeal to strengthen humanitarian response capacity
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is today launching a $62.5 million inter-agency Appeal for Building Global Humanitarian Response Capacity in eleven sectors: agriculture, camp coordination and camp management, early recovery, education, emergency shelter, emergency telecommunications, health, logistics, nutrition, protection, and water, sanitation and hygiene. The appeal follows a comprehensive analysis of the international response to emergencies. It is part of an ambitious humanitarian reform agenda agreed in 2005. Partners in the global capacity-building exercise include United Nations (UN) agencies, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
Activities included in the appeal cover global-level capacity-building in three main areas: building rosters of expert staff for rapid deployment; ensuring adequate commonly-accessible stockpiles at the global level; and developing common standards, systems, and tools for international emergency response.
Full press release available online at http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/db900SID/EGUA-72LM6Q?OpenDocument
--
Audio recording and speaking notes from recent ODI event 'The Limits of Humanitarianism' now available online
At this ALNAP and ODI event (27.03.07), Hugo Slim and Tony Vaux presented and discussed the chapters they wrote for this year's ALNAP Review of Humanitarian Action. As Randolph Kent, the Director of the Humanitarian Futures Programme, wrote in his endorsement of the Review, 'the contributors to this year's edition proffer perspectives and recommendations that humanitarian organisations ignore at their peril.'
http://www.odi.org.uk/speeches/alnapRHA_mar07/
--
Audio and note from the launch of Austen Davis' 'Concerning accountability in Humanitarian Action' (HPG Network Paper 58) now available online
One of the most frequently heard criticisms of humanitarian action is that it is unaccountable and unregulated. At this event, which we reported on in an earlier Bulletin (2007:3), Austen Davis asks whether schemes designed to improve accountability really are the solution to the problems humanitarianism faces today and proposes a more productive route for reform.
http://www.odihpn.org/documents/NP58launchreport.pdf
--
DFID and FCO should merge? Audio and documents from 'Does foreign aid really work' event now available online
At this recent ODI/OUP event Sir Mike Aaronson, former director of the Save the Children Fund, controversially suggested that DFID should be merged back into the FCO. Listen to full audio and read related documents online at the ODI site.
http://www.odi.org.uk/events/foreignaid_april07/
--
TEC Synthesis Report Expanded Summary now available
As with the full Synthesis Report, this summary clearly describes the tsunami context and the disaster response. Its main focus, however, is on the four key recommendations of the Synthesis Report and some of the practical implications of taking these forward. In comparison with the full 175-page Synthesis, the language and contents of this report have been simplified, and the figures and photographs increase its accessibility as well as create a useful reference guide.
If you would like copies of this report let Laura Walker know (x7533) and I will order some from ODI. Otherwise available online at http://www.tsunami-evaluation.org/NR/rdonlyres/32424F75-2C95-41BB-8D22-FA6867C67A96/0/Syn_Report_Sum.pdf
--
THE 12TH GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT COURSE
4th TO 16th JUNE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF LONDON UNION IN MALLET STREET, WC1. (repeated in November)
Over the last 4 years over 200 people have taken part in this short, very intensive and effective introduction to the issues that confront the Third World. The course consists of a total of 12 session of 2 hours each, concentrating in turn on finance, health, education, international aid and the UN system, trade, migration and refugees, and so on.
Personnel from all the major development agencies, including OXFAM, ActionAid, Save the Children Fund, CAFOD, Christian Aid, WaterAid, the House of Commons, and many others have attended over the years. It has also been attended by people contemplating a higher degree in one of the relevant fields of work and from teachers of geography and economics. The speakers are all highly qualified with current fieldwork experience.
http://www.ethical-events.org/gdc
--
On the ODI blogs this week: Is Sir Mike Aaronson right to call for DFID to be merged back into the FCO?
Simon Maxwell, ODI director, notes that participants at the launch of Roger Riddell's new book, 'Does Foreign Aid Really Work?' at ODI last week were surprised to hear Sir Mike Aaronson, former director of the Save the Children Fund, suggest that DFID should be merged back into the FCO.
http://blogs.odi.org.uk/blogs/main/archive/2007/05/03/2531.aspx
------------------------------------------------------
ahe Limits of Humanitaria
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
-----------------------------
Civilian protection and humanitarian advocacy: Strategies and dilemmas
Wednesday 23 May, 1.00-2.30PM
ODI, 111 Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7JD
Humanitarian actors increasingly construe their role not just as relief providers, but as advocates for the victims of crises. Reflecting in part a greater integration between political and humanitarian agendas, this development exposes divergent views of humanitarianism and involves complex choices for operational humanitarian actors. The work of humanitarian actors in protection is frequently contingent on their ability to influence military and political actors, both local and international. However, advocacy - at least in its more public and denunciatory forms - has potentially serious negative implications for operational aid organisations, most notably in relation to access and staff security. Drawing on examples from field settings, this meeting will examine advocacy undertaken by humanitarian organisations to promote civilian welfare and security and its implication for other programming.
Chair: Sorcha O'Callaghan, Research Officer, Humanitarian Policy Group, ODI
Speakers: Marc DuBois, Head of Humanitarian Affairs, MSF-Holland; Edmund Cairns, Senior Policy Adviser (Research), Oxfam GB; and Prof Hazel Smith, Department of International Relations, University of Warwick
To attend contact meetings@odi.org.uk
--
Workshop: The Link between HIV and AIDS and Food Insecurity: Exploring the Evidence
run by CARE International, ODI and Concern Worldwide UK
ODI, 25th May 2007
We have organised this workshop to provide an opportunity for NGO practitioners, research institutions, advocates and policy makers to explore the links between HIV and AIDS and Food Security. The objectives of the meeting include the following:
-To share knowledge, ideas and experiences on practical implementation of interventions tackling Food Security and HIV and AIDS as interrelated issues.
- To explore potential research questions and possible research methodologies
- To discuss ways of strengthening the debate and action on food security and HIV and AIDS
To confirm your participation, please contact s.wooldridge@odi.org.uk. Please bear in mind that seats are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis.
--
MSF DISCUSSION EVENINGS 2007
The Castle Pub at Farringdon, London
THE INTEGRATION AGENDA: COHERENCE OR CO-OPTION?
Tuesday 29 May, 6:30 to 8:30pm
The logic of coherence is driving the agenda of the UN and of main donors and members of the Security Council. By coordinating efforts of political, military and humanitarian agencies they expect to improve the effectiveness of the aid provided. Tonight's discussion will analyse this new agenda and measure its importance in international politics today. We will look at the potential advantages and disadvantages of such an approach, particularly for the humanitarian world.
Facilitator: Paul Harvey, Research Fellow, Humanitarian Policy Group, Overseas Development Institute.
Speakers: Fabrice Weissman, Researcher, MSF France; Jamie McGoldrick, OCHA (to be confirmed); Katy Attfield, Senior Civil Military Advisor, Department for International Development (DFID).
Please note that numbers are limited. It is recommended that you register your attendance at any of these events through the following link: http://www.uk2.msf.org/discussionevenings2007
--
Book Launch: A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier
Ishmael Beah, author and Sorious Samura, journalist & film-maker
Wednesday May 30th, 6.30pmm Brunei Suite, SOAS, Russell Square, WC1H
'A Long Way Gone is one of the most important war stories of our generation. We ignore its message at our peril' Sebastian Junger.
Ishmael Beah, now 25 years old, was 12 and in his homeland of Sierra Leone when he fled attacking rebels and wandered a land rendered unrecognizable by violence. By thirteen, he'd been picked up by the government army and had become one of the estimated 300,000 child soldiers in the 50 current conflicts worldwide. Ishmael Beah came to the United States when he was seventeen and graduated from Oberlin College in 2004. He is a member of the Human Rights Watch Children's Rights Division Advisory Committee and has spoken before the United Nations on several occasions. He lives in New York City. Followed by a reception.
RSVP to ras_resesarch@soas.ac.uk
--
IRC-UK 2007 ANNUAL LECTURE - THE POLITICS OF HUMANITARIANISM AFTER IRAQ
SIR MARK MALLOCH BROWN KCMG - Former Deputy Secretary General, United Nations
Monday 25 June, 2007 at 7.00pm at The Royal Geographical Society
All proceeds will go towards IRC-UK's work worldwide with those affected or displaced by conflict and violence.
For information or to book tickets please call IRC-UK on 020 7692 2737, or email events@ircuk.org
------------------------------------------------------
PUBLICATIONS
------------------
NB If you would like hard copies of any of the larger downloadable publications featured here, please request them from Laura Walker, who will arrange for a library copy to be printed and dispatched to you.
------------------
Joint Theme Issue of Development Policy Review and Disasters: Cash Transfers
In a unique initiative Development Policy Review and Disasters have published simultaneous theme issues on cash transfers. The issues consider the political, financial and operational challenges associated with increased use of cash for governments, donors and NGOs. Development Policy Review, guest edited by John Farrington and Rachel Slater, considers growing experience with cash transfers in development in Africa and Asia and draws on lessons learned from the implementation of cash transfer schemes in Latin America. The Disasters part-theme issue, edited by Paul Harvey, explores recent experience with cash transfers in emergencies, including the Asian tsunami and post-conflict scenarios, and shows that cash transfers can be implemented rapidly and at scale.
Free articles and contents details available online at http://www.blackwellpublishing.com/journal.asp?ref=0361-3666%20
Both journals available from the BRC Library (contact Bridget Andrews for more information).
--
IASC Interim Self-Assessment of Implementation of the Cluster Approach in the Field
During the IASC Working Group in July 2006, OCHA was requested "to lead a process to evaluate the cluster approach in the pilot countries."Given that field implementation had been delayed for a number of reasons, including lack of guidance and funding, it was felt that an interim self-assessment, rather than an evaluation (internal or external) would be more appropriate at this point in time.
The Interim Self-Assessment is a progress report and is not intended to be a comprehensive evaluation of the cluster approach. Such an evaluation is expected to take place in late 2007. The Self-Assessment is intended to highlight main trends, themes and lessons from field experience, in order to inform IASC Working Group and Principals'discussions about the implementation of the cluster approach in the coming year.
http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/lib.nsf/db900SID/JBRN-72ZKTQ/$FILE/IASC_humanitarianreform_nov06.pdf
--
Journal of Humanitarian Assistance Redesigned, Relaunched
JHA offers the humanitarian assistance community the opportunity to receive and provide rapid public feedback on cutting-edge ideas. This community includes humanitarian field workers and agency officials, scholars and researchers, government officials and residents of countries affected by crises and disasters, and donor agency officials. Though papers are not peer-reviewed before publication, the site allows and indeed encourages readers to comment immediately and publicly on each piece.
Since the relaunch, four new papers have been published:
* "Political Complexities of Humanitarian Intervention in the Pakistan Earthquake" - Bamforth & Qureshi
* "International Organisations in Mindanao: To Protect or Not?" - Chaulia
* "Social-networking web systems: Opportunities for humanitarian information management" - Ziesche
* "UNHCR Policy and Practice: Confronting Calls for Change" - Cochrane
All available online at http://www.jha.ac.
--
Changing aid delivery and the environment by Neil Bird and Lidia Cabral, ODI Briefing Paper, March 2007.
Aid delivery has been transformed in recent years, with a progressive shift from project support to more upstream mechanisms - the so-called 'programmatic' approaches. At the same time there has been a relative decline in donor spending on the environment, and a reduction in the use of environmental advisers in country. This Paper examines how environmental objectives are pursued by donors in a context where aid delivery mechanisms are changing. http://www.odi.org.uk/publications/redirect/2.html
------------------------------------------------------
NEW PUBLICATIONS in the BRCS LIBRARY
Pick these up at the library (6th floor) or by contacting Bridget Andrews, Librarian (x7056)
All suggestions or requests for new acquisitions are welcome, either for the library or for departmental use.
Do you know that you can access journal articles from your desk? For a quick induction explaining the resources held by the library and how to use them, please contact Bridget Andrews.
------------------------------------------------
Cash-transfer programming in emergencies / edited by Pantaleo Creti and Susanne Jaspars (Oxfam GB, 2006)
Draws on the practical experience of Oxfam and other agencies to present the rationale behind cash-transfer programmes, explain how to assess whether cash is the most appropriate response to a given emergency, and compare different types of cash intervention.
Shelfmark: 5.3 CAS
--
Transitional settlement : displaced populations / executive editors and lead authors Tom Corsellis and Antonella Vitale (Oxfam GB, 2005)
Guidelines offering planning tools for developing and implementing settlement and shelter strategies for people affected by conflict or natural disaster. Part a gives a broad overview of the issues relating to transitional settlement and the six settlement options open to displaced populations. Part b offers technical information as a reference for the implementation of transitional settlement options.
Shelfmark: 6.55 COR
--
Disability, equality and human rights : a training manual for development and humanitarian organisations / Alison Harris with Sue Enfield (Oxfam GB, 2003)
Manual designed both for disabled people's organisations seeking to raise awareness and implement equality programmes, and for the humanitarian and development community seeking to ensure that disabled people are equal participants in their emergency response and development programmes. Part one looks at the principles behind Disability Equality training, drawing on Oxfam's experience working with disabled people's organisations in Kosovo. Part two contains materials for training Disability Equality trainers, including workshop activities, facilitator's notes and handouts.
Shelfmark: 13.78 HAR
--
Characteristics, Conflict and Risk: NGO Insecurity in conflict zones
Larissa Fast
Disasters Vol 31 No. 2, June 2007, 130-154
Results of research on three countries-Angola, Ecuador and Sierra Leone-and exploration of the relationship between levels of insecurity, context and the characteristics of NGOs.
--
Conflict, camps and coercion: the ongoing livelihoods crisis in Darfur
Margie Buchanan-Smith and Susanne Jaspers
This paper presents the findings of a study commissioned by World Food Programme (WFP) in early 2006 to enhance understanding of how the conflict in Darfur has affected livelihoods and markets, and of the effects of food aid. The paper proposes a number of preconditions for investment in recovery in Darfur, and recommends ways in which livelihoods can be supported in the current context of ongoing conflict.
Disasters Vol. 31 No. S1 March 2007, 57-76, or online: http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1467-7717.2007.00349.x
--
Increasing strategic accountability: a framework for international NGOs
Sue Cavill and M. Sohail
This paper presents a conceptual framework for exploring INGO accountability, based on information collected through a literature review and semi-structured interviews with representatives from 20 UK-based INGOs. The research found that INGOs tend to use a number of quality-assurance mechanisms to achieve 'practical' accountability. However, it is suggested that this kind of accountability will not necessarily enable INGOs to achieve their missions to alleviate poverty and eliminate injustice. Furthermore, the predominant use of practical accountability has led to a number of gaps in INGO accountability. It is suggested that, like the term participation before it, accountability has been co-opted for its instrumental benefits to INGO project performance and management. It is argued that if INGOs are to achieve their missions, this will require more 'strategic' forms of accountability geared towards fundamentally changing those social, economic, and political structures that promote poverty.
Development in Practice, Vol. 17 No. 2, April 2007, 231
------------------------------------------------------
Contribute to this bulletin by e-mailing submissions and feedback to Laura Walker, HPP PA (x7533).
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
April
BRCS INTERNATIONAL MONTHLY BULLETIN
Bulletin on International Humanitarian News, Events and Publications
(2007:4, April)
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
BRCS International Monthly Seminar Programme
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
April 26th 2007, 1-2pm Lecture Theatre
Kevin Studds - The red crystal emblem.
Following the adoption of the Third Additional Protocol to the 1949 Geneva Conventions by States in 2005, the red crystal emblem was incorporated into the Movement's Statutes in June 2006. What was the process that led to this change, and what does the change mean for the British Red Cross and Movement as a whole? Please join us for a short lunchtime talk on the red crystal emblem, followed by a Q&A session.
=========================================
Forthcoming seminars and workshops:
15th May 2007, 2-5pm, Lecture Theatre
Monitoring & Evaluation Workshop
17th May 2007, 1-2pm Lecture Theatre
The Humanitarian Impact of Climate Change - Andrew Simms, New Economics Foundation
31st May 2007, 1-2pm Lecture Theatre
Vulnerability and Capacity Assessment - a tool for the RC - Terry Cannon, University of Greenwich
Suggestions for topics and speakers for future seminars are very welcome - please contact Laura Walker, HPP Team Coordinator (x7533).
------------------------------------------------------
NEWS
-------
ICRC REPORT HIGHLIGHTS PLIGHT OF CIVILIANS IN IRAQ
'Iraq: civilians without protection - The ever-worsening humanitarian crisis in Iraq' - a report from the ICRC highlighting the steadily worsening humanitarian situation and its effect on the civilian population. Protecting Iraq's civilian population must be a priority, and the ICRC urgently calls for better respect for international humanitarian law. It appeals to all those with military or political influence on the ground to act now to ensure that the lives of ordinary Iraqis are spared and protected. This is an obligation under international humanitarian law for both States and non-State actors. The ICRC aims to ensure that Iraqis receive the aid they need most. It cooperates closely with the Iraqi Red Crescent. However, humanitarian aid is clearly not enough when it comes to addressing the immense needs of Iraqis in the present disastrous security situation.
Read the report at http://www.icrc.org/web/eng/siteeng0.nsf/htmlall/iraq-report-110407?opendocument
--
'Confusion in the Margins' of Humanitarian Action:
Antonio Donini's closing reflections at the February ICVA Annual Conference
Humanitarian action has expanded, according to Donini, 'accordion-style' into new territories in the 90s. Does humanitarianism need to go back to basics? Contrasting northern humanitarians (Dunantists, Wilsonians, Faith-Based and Solidarists) and Southern humanitarians (local communities, non-traditional donors such as China, India, the Gulf States, Islamic charities and migrant remittances), we see that there is not one humanitarianism, but many.
Where do we go from here? Donini saw a need, first of all, to recognize the diversity in the community and build on it. He hears strong arguments for reserving a protected niche for "purist" humanitarian action to be undertaken by recognized NGOs and accredited humanitarian professionals - those engaging in development, human rights, peace-building or advocacy should avoid the humanitarian label. Ideally, only agencies with a neutral and independent agenda should operate in open war, but as this is unlikely to happen, transparent signals as to agenda and mandate can help preserve the protected space for independent players.
However, in some contexts a multi-mission approach is not only useful but necessary; for example, in dealing with HIV/AIDS, climate change, pandemics, migration and compounded disasters. In future, Donini suggests we can expect such crises on a hithertoo unplanned-for scale - current debates on humanitarian diversification and integration/coherence paling in the shadow of the consequences of those threats on future human vulnerability.
Full article available at http://www.icva.ch/doc00002012.html.
------------------------------------------------------
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
-----------------------------
MSF DISCUSSION EVENINGS 2007
The Castle Pub at Farringdon, London
THE INTEGRATION AGENDA: COHERENCE OR CO-OPTION?
Tuesday 29 May, 6:30 to 8:30pm
The logic of coherence is driving the agenda of the UN and of main donors and members of the Security Council. By coordinating efforts of political, military and humanitarian agencies they expect to improve the effectiveness of the aid provided. Tonight's discussion will analyse this new agenda and measure its importance in international politics today. We will look at the potential advantages and disadvantages of such an approach, particularly for the humanitarian world.
Facilitator: Paul Harvey, Research Fellow, Humanitarian Policy Group, Overseas Development Institute.
Speakers: Fabrice Weissman, Researcher, MSF France; Jamie McGoldrick, OCHA (to be confirmed); Katy Attfield, Senior Civil Military Advisor, Department for International Development (DFID).
Please note that numbers are limited. It is recommended that you register your attendance at any of these events through the following link:
http://www.uk2.msf.org/discussionevenings2007
--
Preview screening of critically acclaimed film Daratt - 11th May, Cine Lumiere, S. Kensington
Soda Pictures are releasing critically-acclaimed African director Mahamat-Saleh Haroun's new film DARATT (aka DRY SEASON) in UK cinemas on the 27th July 2007. DARATT has won several humanitarian media awards including the UNESCO, SIGNIS and EIUC awards at the 2006 Venice Film Festival as well as the prestigious Silver Lion, Grand Special Jury Prize. 2007 has seen
further awards from the Ouagadougou Panafrican Film and Television Festival.
A simple tale with a powerful dramatic message, DARATT tells the story of Atim. The sixteen year old, orphaned by the long-raging civil war in Chad, lives with his blind grandfather. When the government decides to amnesty the country's war criminals, his grandfather urges him to avow revenge on the man who killed his father.
The film is being screened as a special preview at the Mosaiques Film Festival at The Cine Lumiere (South Kensington) on 11th May, to which we would like to invite you to attend as guest. We can see potential in using this film to raise awareness of the situation in countries such as Chad and your important work in this area. RSVP to ling@sodapictures.com, places are limited.
------------------------------------------------------
PUBLICATIONS
------------------
Contingency Planning and Humanitarian Action - A Review of Practice
Austen Davis for ODI - Humanitarian Practice Network
One of the most frequently heard criticisms of humanitarian action is that it is unaccountable and unregulated. In response, a wide range of initiatives has been launched to improve quality and accountability. Reformers argue that, if actors are held to account, they will behave better and fulfil their responsibilities. They also contend that being accountable for one's actions has moral value. This paper asks whether initiatives designed to improve accountability really are the solution to the problems humanitarianism faces today. It does not aim to dismiss accountability; rather, it seeks to show that accountability is a procedural phenomenon, not a moral one. http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/lib.nsf/db900SID/EGUA-728LYU?OpenDocument
--
Key Messages from ALNAP's Review of Humanitarian Action
The easily digestible Key Messages version of this year's ALNAP review now available online.
http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/lib.nsf/db900SID/JBRN-6Y5LMG?
--
OXFAM review of European Central Emergency Response Fund one year on
The Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) has the potential to help millions of people whose lives are devastated every year by emergencies around the world. But that potential has not yet been fully realized.
Oxfam welcomes the progress made by the CERF in its first year of performance and the positive results achieved. However, a number of significant challenges remain. Urgent improvements must be made in order for the CERF to provide a truly rapid response to sudden-onset disasters, to bridge the funding gaps in under-funded emergencies and to become a transparent and accountable funding mechanism.
http://www.oxfam.org/en/files/bp100_CERF_oneyear_0703.pdf
--
HUMANITARIAN EXCHANGE MAGAZINE 37 - JUST PUBLISHED
This edition focusses on the emergency response to the Israel/Lebanon conflict. Includes coverage of operational issues for agencies of integrated missions in Haiti and Sudan, the Tsunami Evaluation Coalition's synthesis report, coordination through clusters during the Pakistan earthquake response, lessons learned from programmes using cash distributions in Southern Somalia, shelter programming after two years of tsunami recovery in Sri Lanka and Aceh, and disaster diplomacy.
Hard copy versions available from HPP or the library, or see http://www.odihpn.org/report.asp?id=2869
--
DfID - Report on international migration - published 16 Apr 07
While migration is not a new phenomenon in poor or rich countries, the scale of migration has reached unprecedented levels around the world. It will see half of all people in Asia live in urban areas by 2020, and half of all Africans by 2030. So the new report stresses the importance of managing the risks that this creates, and maximising the benefits it offers.
Secretary of State for International Development, Hilary Benn, commented, 'I hope that this policy paper can contribute to this debate and illustrate how well-managed migration can be a positive force for development. The UK, together with others, is committed to supporting developing countries' efforts to make the most of migration, helping them to manage the risks and realise the benefits, so that they can make progress in fighting poverty.'
http://www.dfid.gov.uk/pubs/files/migration-policy.pdf
--
WHO/UNAIDS/UNICEF report - Scaling up priority AIDS interventions
By the end of 2006 more than 2 million people in low- and middle-income countries had access to antiretroviral therapy - a 54% increase over the 1.3 million people on treatment in 2005. However, provision of antiretroviral treatment to prevent mother to child transmission of HIV is inadequate- only 11% of HIV-positive pregnant women in need of treatment were receiving it in 2006. Access to prevention and treatment services for people who inject drugs remains insufficient, and there is a need to scale-up testing and counselling services for people living with HIV - currently only 12% of men and 10% of women in sub-Saharan Africa know their HIV status.
see www.who.int/hiv/mediacentre/univeral_access_progress_report_en.pdf
--
Investigating the Mystery of Capacity Building: Learning from the Praxis Programme
INTRAC Praxis Paper 18
Capacity building is a mystery. Despite all the attention given to capacity building over the last decade, we are left with nagging doubts and unanswered questions. We are not sure what works and why. Some are not convinced that capacity building makes any positive difference at all. This paper investigates this mystery. It draws on the experiences shared by capacity building practitioners through the INTRAC Praxis Programme over the past four years. This DGIS-supported programme encouraged capacity building practitioners to reflect on, learn from and disseminate their experiences in the field. To date, practitioners have written 17 Praxis papers, 31 Praxis Notes, and attended six Praxis supported workshops. They have written from diverse contexts on a wide variety of themes, and yet common issues have emerged. This paper syntheses this learning.
http://www.intrac.org/pages/PraxisPaper18.html
------------------------------------------------------
NEW PUBLICATIONS in the BRCS LIBRARY
Pick these up at the library (6th floor) or by contacting Bridget Andrews, Librarian (x7056)
All suggestions or requests for new acquisitions are welcome, either for the library or for departmental use.
Do you know that you can access journal articles from your desk? For a quick induction explaining the resources held by the library and how to use them, please contact Bridget Andrews.
------------------------------------------------
Atlas of global development / World Bank (Collins, 2007)
Maps and statistical tables aiming to illustrate the world's development at the beginning of the 21st century, drawing on the statistical indicators collected by the World Bank to guide its development programs.
Shelfmark: 6.1 WOR
--
The state of the world's children 2007 : Women and children : the double dividend of gender equality (UNICEF, 2006)
This year's report looks at equality in the household, in employment, and in politics and government and argues that promoting gender equality and empowering women will have the 'double dividend' of bettering the lives of both women and children.
Shelfmark: 13.72 UNI
------------------------------------------------------
Contribute to this bulletin by e-mailing submissions and feedback to Laura Walker, HPP PA (x7533).
Bulletin on International Humanitarian News, Events and Publications
(2007:4, April)
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
BRCS International Monthly Seminar Programme
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
April 26th 2007, 1-2pm Lecture Theatre
Kevin Studds - The red crystal emblem.
Following the adoption of the Third Additional Protocol to the 1949 Geneva Conventions by States in 2005, the red crystal emblem was incorporated into the Movement's Statutes in June 2006. What was the process that led to this change, and what does the change mean for the British Red Cross and Movement as a whole? Please join us for a short lunchtime talk on the red crystal emblem, followed by a Q&A session.
=========================================
Forthcoming seminars and workshops:
15th May 2007, 2-5pm, Lecture Theatre
Monitoring & Evaluation Workshop
17th May 2007, 1-2pm Lecture Theatre
The Humanitarian Impact of Climate Change - Andrew Simms, New Economics Foundation
31st May 2007, 1-2pm Lecture Theatre
Vulnerability and Capacity Assessment - a tool for the RC - Terry Cannon, University of Greenwich
Suggestions for topics and speakers for future seminars are very welcome - please contact Laura Walker, HPP Team Coordinator (x7533).
------------------------------------------------------
NEWS
-------
ICRC REPORT HIGHLIGHTS PLIGHT OF CIVILIANS IN IRAQ
'Iraq: civilians without protection - The ever-worsening humanitarian crisis in Iraq' - a report from the ICRC highlighting the steadily worsening humanitarian situation and its effect on the civilian population. Protecting Iraq's civilian population must be a priority, and the ICRC urgently calls for better respect for international humanitarian law. It appeals to all those with military or political influence on the ground to act now to ensure that the lives of ordinary Iraqis are spared and protected. This is an obligation under international humanitarian law for both States and non-State actors. The ICRC aims to ensure that Iraqis receive the aid they need most. It cooperates closely with the Iraqi Red Crescent. However, humanitarian aid is clearly not enough when it comes to addressing the immense needs of Iraqis in the present disastrous security situation.
Read the report at http://www.icrc.org/web/eng/siteeng0.nsf/htmlall/iraq-report-110407?opendocument
--
'Confusion in the Margins' of Humanitarian Action:
Antonio Donini's closing reflections at the February ICVA Annual Conference
Humanitarian action has expanded, according to Donini, 'accordion-style' into new territories in the 90s. Does humanitarianism need to go back to basics? Contrasting northern humanitarians (Dunantists, Wilsonians, Faith-Based and Solidarists) and Southern humanitarians (local communities, non-traditional donors such as China, India, the Gulf States, Islamic charities and migrant remittances), we see that there is not one humanitarianism, but many.
Where do we go from here? Donini saw a need, first of all, to recognize the diversity in the community and build on it. He hears strong arguments for reserving a protected niche for "purist" humanitarian action to be undertaken by recognized NGOs and accredited humanitarian professionals - those engaging in development, human rights, peace-building or advocacy should avoid the humanitarian label. Ideally, only agencies with a neutral and independent agenda should operate in open war, but as this is unlikely to happen, transparent signals as to agenda and mandate can help preserve the protected space for independent players.
However, in some contexts a multi-mission approach is not only useful but necessary; for example, in dealing with HIV/AIDS, climate change, pandemics, migration and compounded disasters. In future, Donini suggests we can expect such crises on a hithertoo unplanned-for scale - current debates on humanitarian diversification and integration/coherence paling in the shadow of the consequences of those threats on future human vulnerability.
Full article available at http://www.icva.ch/doc00002012.html.
------------------------------------------------------
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
-----------------------------
MSF DISCUSSION EVENINGS 2007
The Castle Pub at Farringdon, London
THE INTEGRATION AGENDA: COHERENCE OR CO-OPTION?
Tuesday 29 May, 6:30 to 8:30pm
The logic of coherence is driving the agenda of the UN and of main donors and members of the Security Council. By coordinating efforts of political, military and humanitarian agencies they expect to improve the effectiveness of the aid provided. Tonight's discussion will analyse this new agenda and measure its importance in international politics today. We will look at the potential advantages and disadvantages of such an approach, particularly for the humanitarian world.
Facilitator: Paul Harvey, Research Fellow, Humanitarian Policy Group, Overseas Development Institute.
Speakers: Fabrice Weissman, Researcher, MSF France; Jamie McGoldrick, OCHA (to be confirmed); Katy Attfield, Senior Civil Military Advisor, Department for International Development (DFID).
Please note that numbers are limited. It is recommended that you register your attendance at any of these events through the following link:
http://www.uk2.msf.org/discussionevenings2007
--
Preview screening of critically acclaimed film Daratt - 11th May, Cine Lumiere, S. Kensington
Soda Pictures are releasing critically-acclaimed African director Mahamat-Saleh Haroun's new film DARATT (aka DRY SEASON) in UK cinemas on the 27th July 2007. DARATT has won several humanitarian media awards including the UNESCO, SIGNIS and EIUC awards at the 2006 Venice Film Festival as well as the prestigious Silver Lion, Grand Special Jury Prize. 2007 has seen
further awards from the Ouagadougou Panafrican Film and Television Festival.
A simple tale with a powerful dramatic message, DARATT tells the story of Atim. The sixteen year old, orphaned by the long-raging civil war in Chad, lives with his blind grandfather. When the government decides to amnesty the country's war criminals, his grandfather urges him to avow revenge on the man who killed his father.
The film is being screened as a special preview at the Mosaiques Film Festival at The Cine Lumiere (South Kensington) on 11th May, to which we would like to invite you to attend as guest. We can see potential in using this film to raise awareness of the situation in countries such as Chad and your important work in this area. RSVP to ling@sodapictures.com, places are limited.
------------------------------------------------------
PUBLICATIONS
------------------
Contingency Planning and Humanitarian Action - A Review of Practice
Austen Davis for ODI - Humanitarian Practice Network
One of the most frequently heard criticisms of humanitarian action is that it is unaccountable and unregulated. In response, a wide range of initiatives has been launched to improve quality and accountability. Reformers argue that, if actors are held to account, they will behave better and fulfil their responsibilities. They also contend that being accountable for one's actions has moral value. This paper asks whether initiatives designed to improve accountability really are the solution to the problems humanitarianism faces today. It does not aim to dismiss accountability; rather, it seeks to show that accountability is a procedural phenomenon, not a moral one. http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/lib.nsf/db900SID/EGUA-728LYU?OpenDocument
--
Key Messages from ALNAP's Review of Humanitarian Action
The easily digestible Key Messages version of this year's ALNAP review now available online.
http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/lib.nsf/db900SID/JBRN-6Y5LMG?
--
OXFAM review of European Central Emergency Response Fund one year on
The Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) has the potential to help millions of people whose lives are devastated every year by emergencies around the world. But that potential has not yet been fully realized.
Oxfam welcomes the progress made by the CERF in its first year of performance and the positive results achieved. However, a number of significant challenges remain. Urgent improvements must be made in order for the CERF to provide a truly rapid response to sudden-onset disasters, to bridge the funding gaps in under-funded emergencies and to become a transparent and accountable funding mechanism.
http://www.oxfam.org/en/files/bp100_CERF_oneyear_0703.pdf
--
HUMANITARIAN EXCHANGE MAGAZINE 37 - JUST PUBLISHED
This edition focusses on the emergency response to the Israel/Lebanon conflict. Includes coverage of operational issues for agencies of integrated missions in Haiti and Sudan, the Tsunami Evaluation Coalition's synthesis report, coordination through clusters during the Pakistan earthquake response, lessons learned from programmes using cash distributions in Southern Somalia, shelter programming after two years of tsunami recovery in Sri Lanka and Aceh, and disaster diplomacy.
Hard copy versions available from HPP or the library, or see http://www.odihpn.org/report.asp?id=2869
--
DfID - Report on international migration - published 16 Apr 07
While migration is not a new phenomenon in poor or rich countries, the scale of migration has reached unprecedented levels around the world. It will see half of all people in Asia live in urban areas by 2020, and half of all Africans by 2030. So the new report stresses the importance of managing the risks that this creates, and maximising the benefits it offers.
Secretary of State for International Development, Hilary Benn, commented, 'I hope that this policy paper can contribute to this debate and illustrate how well-managed migration can be a positive force for development. The UK, together with others, is committed to supporting developing countries' efforts to make the most of migration, helping them to manage the risks and realise the benefits, so that they can make progress in fighting poverty.'
http://www.dfid.gov.uk/pubs/files/migration-policy.pdf
--
WHO/UNAIDS/UNICEF report - Scaling up priority AIDS interventions
By the end of 2006 more than 2 million people in low- and middle-income countries had access to antiretroviral therapy - a 54% increase over the 1.3 million people on treatment in 2005. However, provision of antiretroviral treatment to prevent mother to child transmission of HIV is inadequate- only 11% of HIV-positive pregnant women in need of treatment were receiving it in 2006. Access to prevention and treatment services for people who inject drugs remains insufficient, and there is a need to scale-up testing and counselling services for people living with HIV - currently only 12% of men and 10% of women in sub-Saharan Africa know their HIV status.
see www.who.int/hiv/mediacentre/univeral_access_progress_report_en.pdf
--
Investigating the Mystery of Capacity Building: Learning from the Praxis Programme
INTRAC Praxis Paper 18
Capacity building is a mystery. Despite all the attention given to capacity building over the last decade, we are left with nagging doubts and unanswered questions. We are not sure what works and why. Some are not convinced that capacity building makes any positive difference at all. This paper investigates this mystery. It draws on the experiences shared by capacity building practitioners through the INTRAC Praxis Programme over the past four years. This DGIS-supported programme encouraged capacity building practitioners to reflect on, learn from and disseminate their experiences in the field. To date, practitioners have written 17 Praxis papers, 31 Praxis Notes, and attended six Praxis supported workshops. They have written from diverse contexts on a wide variety of themes, and yet common issues have emerged. This paper syntheses this learning.
http://www.intrac.org/pages/PraxisPaper18.html
------------------------------------------------------
NEW PUBLICATIONS in the BRCS LIBRARY
Pick these up at the library (6th floor) or by contacting Bridget Andrews, Librarian (x7056)
All suggestions or requests for new acquisitions are welcome, either for the library or for departmental use.
Do you know that you can access journal articles from your desk? For a quick induction explaining the resources held by the library and how to use them, please contact Bridget Andrews.
------------------------------------------------
Atlas of global development / World Bank (Collins, 2007)
Maps and statistical tables aiming to illustrate the world's development at the beginning of the 21st century, drawing on the statistical indicators collected by the World Bank to guide its development programs.
Shelfmark: 6.1 WOR
--
The state of the world's children 2007 : Women and children : the double dividend of gender equality (UNICEF, 2006)
This year's report looks at equality in the household, in employment, and in politics and government and argues that promoting gender equality and empowering women will have the 'double dividend' of bettering the lives of both women and children.
Shelfmark: 13.72 UNI
------------------------------------------------------
Contribute to this bulletin by e-mailing submissions and feedback to Laura Walker, HPP PA (x7533).
Subscribe to:
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