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The Global Interagency Security Forum’s latest publication delves into the humanitarian principle of neutrality, exploring how it can impact the delivery of aid and partnerships with local actors.
Neutrality is one of the four humanitarian principles. It states that humanitarian action must not favour any side in an armed conflict or other dispute.
Despite being a central component of humanitarianism, the concept of neutrality is fraught with complexity.
This research paper explores the complications surrounding neutrality. It focuses on the intersection of neutrality with humanitarian access and acceptance-based strategies, which aim to ensure aid reaches and is willingly received by target communities. The paper also examines how collaborations between local and international organisations can improve acceptance, but may complicate perceptions of neutrality.
The report is based on 20 interviews with humanitarian practitioners and experts. Individuals included staff at both local and international NGOs, UN agencies, and more. They also spanned a range of contexts, including Afghanistan, Cameroon, Nigeria and Syria.
In addition to identifying the challenges that come at the intersections of neutrality, access and localisation, the paper also offers concrete solutions. These are divided into sections targeted at the wider humanitarian community, donors and international NGOs, and local and national NGOs.
“We recognise that there aren’t always easy answers when it comes to complex topics like neutrality,” said Dimitri Kotsiras, GISF’s Research and Programmes Manager. “But we wanted to provide some really tangible steps that everyone involved in the humanitarian sector can take. In particular, these focus on ways to maximise collaboration between local and international NGOs. We know that local actors are at the heart of humanitarian action. So, by strengthening a commitment to considered localisation, we can improve humanitarian access, while still adhering to the principle of neutrality.”
The report is currently available in English and will soon be translated into French, Spanish and Arabic. GISF encourages readers to share this resource with their networks to help promote the findings and recommendations as widely as possible.
This research paper was made possible by the generous support of the American people through USAID. The contents are the responsibility of GISF. They do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.