Humanitarians often face difficult ethical dilemmas: from immediate operational choices to bigger strategic questions. A dilemma is defined by the need to choose between two or more difficult options that could have negative consequences. A dilemma means that there is no obvious or ideal choice. Humanitarian principles (humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence) alone do not always help us make the best decision. Principles themselves may ‘create’ the dilemma. When we face only bad options, or the principles are in conflict, ethical deliberation can help us decide on the best way to carry out principled humanitarian action.

This guide offers a tool and a process for structured deliberation to help organisations and individuals make better choices for principled humanitarian action. It is based on an applied ethics approach,which addresses real-world challenges using ethical theories and principles.