HPG Policy Brief 36
Key messages
- Political and military interests have tended to override humanitarian considerations in the emergency response to the crisis in Pakistan occasioned by government offensives against the Taliban. This is likely to become an even greater issue as people return home and recovery and efforts to promote stability get underway.
- The international response to the displacement crisis has been slow and lacking in influence, and has failed to adequately meet the needs of people outside of displacement camps. Humanitarians have not spoken out against the conduct of hostilities and the politicisation of the emergency response.
- Aid agencies are faced with the dilemma of engaging with and supporting government efforts to promote stability or maintaining a principled approach. Their added value in promoting stability is not clear and their influence over these processes is likely to be mixed. A principled approach is likely to be limiting in terms of influencing domestic policy and gaining access. Resolving or managing these dilemmas will require strong leadership and strategic context analysis.
- Irrespective of the approach adopted, advocacy has a significant role to play in ensuring adherence to IHL in the conduct of hostilities, that there is sufficient humanitarian funding and that efforts to promote stability ensure that the needs of the most vulnerable are met, and that political and security considerations do not override the humanitarian imperative.