World + 2 more
Counter-terrorism and humanitarian action
Briefing paper - HPG Policy Briefs 43, October 2011
Authors: Sara Pantuliano, Kate Mackintosh, Samir Elhawary, Victoria Metcalfe
This HPG Policy Brief explores how measures introduced to combat terrorism have had a significant impact on humanitarian organisations, eroding their ability to protect civilians and provide humanitarian assistance to those in need. The authors consider how counter-terrorism provisions can criminalise humanitarian action and undermine humanitarian principles of neutrality and impartiality.
Key findings include:
Humanitarian funding from donor governments is increasingly being made conditional on assurances that it is not benefiting listed individuals or organisations.
Counter-terrorism laws and other measures have increased operating costs and administrative functions and slowed down operational response.
Greater transparency is required between NGOs, UN agencies, humanitarian donors and governments in order to ensure that counter-terrorism objectives do not undermine humanitarian commitments.
Read the full report.