Humanitarian Negotiations Revealed: The Msf Experience - Brossura

Brossura

ISBN 10: 1849041636 ISBN 13: 9781849041638

Casa editrice: Hurst & Co Ltd, 2011

Riassunto

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 another way, the freedom of action and of speech of humanitarians is being eroded due to the radicalisation of conflicts and the reaffirmation of state sovereignty over aid actors and policies.

The purpose of this book is to challenge this assumption through an 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 analyse 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 forty years since MSF was founded and describes in detail how the ideals of humanitarian principles and "humanitarian space" operating 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.

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Recensione

'A controversial new book produced by one of the world's best-known aid agencies, Médecins sans Frontières, lifts the lid on the often deeply uncomfortable compromises aid organisations are forced to make while working in conflicts.' --Guardian

'This book challenges the perception that humanitarian organisations cannot speak or act freely and that their influence is on the wane.' --Law Society Journal

'Whilst MSF has acquired a reputation for speaking out on behalf of the victims of conflicts and disasters, this fascinating and timely book shows that this tradition, always rather ambiguously adhered to, is today very much under threat. Longstanding concerns that public declarations will jeopardise MSF's aid operations have now been supplemented by concerns that these declarations will add weight to calls for military intervention and for prosecutions in international courts, thereby further jeopardising MSF operations on the ground. Meanwhile, a range of governments in conflict-affected countries are reining in free speech through formal contracts with NGOs. Using a series of illuminating case studies, the book highlights the shifting dilemmas faced by aid workers. It brings out the perennial dangers of silence and stresses the continuing need to highlight the hidden victims of just wars (whether these are civil wars, Western wars, or both). The book also exemplifies MSF s traditions of self-criticism and internal disagreement, traditions that in an age of public relations and self-promotion are now more valuable than ever.' --David Keen, Professor of Conflict Studies, London School of Economics and Political Science

L'autore

Claire Magone spent several years working with Action Contre la Faim (Action Against Hunger) and MSF, and went on to coordinate Sidaction's international programmes.

Michael Neuman joined MSF in 1999. His work focuses on political analysis and issues of immigration and geopolitics.

Fabrice Weissman, research director of the MSF Foundation, is the author of many works on humanitarian aid and the political economy of conflict.

Su questa edizione

• Editore: Hurst & Co Ltd
• Data di pubblicazione: 2011
• ISBN 10: 1849041636
• ISBN 13: 9781849041638
• Rilegatura: Copertina flessibile
• Numero di pagine: 256
• Redattore: Magone Claire, Neuman Michael, Weissman Fabrice