Humanitarian Negotiations Revealed

From international NGOs to UN agencies, from donors to observers of humanitarianism, opinion is unanimous: in a context of the alleged 'clash of civilizations', our 'humanitarian space' is shrinking. Put in another way, the freedom of action and of speech of humanitarians is being eroded due to the radicalization of conflicts and to the reaffirmation of state sovereignty over aid actors and policies. The purpose of this book is to challenge this assumption through the analysis of the events that have marked MSF's history since 2003 (when MSF published its first general work on humanitarian action and its relationships with governments). It addresses the evolution of humanitarian goals, the resistance to these goals and the political arrangements that overcame this resistance (or that failed to do so). The contributors seek to analyze the political transactions and balances of power and interests that allow aid activities to move forward, but that are usually masked by the lofty rhetoric of 'humanitarian principles'. They focus on one key question: what is an acceptable compromise for MSF. This book seeks to puncture a number of the myths that have grown up over the last forty years since MSF was founded and describes in detail how the ideals of humanitarian principles and 'humanitarian space' to operate in conflict zones are in reality illusory. How in fact it is the grubby negotiations with varying parties, each of whom have their own vested interests, that may allow organisations such as MSF to operate in a given crisis situation -- or not

ISBN 1849041636   DEWEY edition DC22 ISBN13 9781849041638 (What's this?)   Pages 256 Publisher C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd   Published in London Imprint C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd   Height (mm) 216 Format Paperback   Width (mm) 138 Publication date 01 Oct 2011   Academic level Professional / Scholarly DEWEY 361.26

'Thank goodness for MSF. Where else would we find such candour and self-criticism? Laid out here are unblinking accounts of the dilemmas facing the humanitarian agencies in a chaotic world, and clear-eyed appraisals of how MSF tries, and sometimes fails, to respond with its principles intact. Let's hope the other relief agencies are paying attention.' - Peter Gill, Journalist and author of Famine and Foreigners: Ethiopia since Live Aid "These stories and reflections illustrate the tragic humanitarian paradox: to act morally, one can't always be principled. Neutrality and impartiality disappear into the pantheon of defunct ideals, as MSF defends a robust opportunism in the best sense of the word: reality-based situational ethics." - Dirk Salomons, director of the Program for Humanitarian Affairs at the School of International Public Affairs, Columbia University 'This is a book about realism: the art of doing what's possible in impossible situations, and preserving reputation and skills to provide relief in the next crisis, in the next country. Through seven case studies and an insightful history of modern humanitarian action, this collection of essays represents a maturing of MSF's view of the world. Gone is the fundamentalist rant of "our principles at any price" and in its place is a more nuanced pragmatic approach which keeps its eye firmly on the goal of alleviating suffering but understands the need to compromise and invent, choosing the best possible path to reach the goal.' - Dr. Peter Walker, Director, Feinstein International Center, Tufts University 'Humanitarian Negotiations Revealed is a very good and extremely useful book. It brings important new information and candid discussions of ethical and operational decision-making to important parts of humanitarian studies and international relations. ... Clear, practical, and easy to read, this book is exceptional for its frank and public self-scrutiny. In this respect, it breaks new ground, demonstrating a truly reflective NGO that is not afraid to learn in public. A rare text in humanitarian and organizational studies.' - Hugo Slim, author of Killing Civilians: Method, Madness and Morality in War

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