Archive:
This article looks at current constraints in humanitarian access to Syria as the conflict increases in both complexity and intensity. Although the focus here is on the increased vulnerability of aid agencies as a result of Russian tactics, it must be stressed that humanitarian assistance can be jeopardised by all parties to conflict, and as the fighting continues, further threats will emerge.
This monthly digest documents threats and incidents of violence affecting the delivery of humanitarian assistance. It is prepared by Insecurity Insight from information available in open sources. It complements resources that already exist, such as the Aid Worker Security Database,…
Humanitarian workers are operating with little digital protection and too often are unprepared to use technology as a means to mitigate their physical risks. While there are a number of digital tools and technology-based resources for the security of humanitarian workers, collectively, they face a number of problems. Aid agencies need a user-friendly, easily accessible tool that delivers simple answers on how to operate safely in any situation.
Humanitarian action has never before reached so many people in so many places. Humanitarians around the world are undertaking extraordinary work. However, the system is under strain. Funding cannot keep pace with growing needs as conflict, insecurity and displacement have…
Information communication technologies (ICTs) are increasingly becoming a defining component of twenty-first century humanitarian response operations during both natural disasters and armed conflict. ICTs have changed how information is communicated and received during crises. It may even be changing how…
A new article by the Signal Program on Human Security and Technology at the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative explores what constitutes 'humanitarian communications space', and the challenges to agreeing a common definition of 'humanitarian communication' and its protection under international law.
“Saving Lives Together”: A Review of existing NGO and United Nations Security Coordination Practices in the Field is a new report by the SLT framework that presents findings highlighting a range of practical experiences, successes, challenges and good practice of security…
The Harvard University Advanced Training Program on Humanitarian Action (ATHA) is launching a month-long 'Innovation Series'. This is a series of short podcast discussions with professionals and experts on areas of innovative thinking and development in the humanitarian sector. In the first episode of the series ATHA's Julia Brooks speaks with Raquel Vazquez Llorente, Researcher at the European Interagency Security Forum (GISF).
This paper by Matthias Wagner (2014) looks at how NGOs, governmental development agencies, humanitarian organizations and private companies are adjusting to complex contexts they are operating amidst. While organizations or companies are legally responsible to ensure the safety and security…
This fact sheet highlights findings from Handicap International’s assessment mission conducted in Kobani last April 2015. This fact sheet reports an appalling illustration of the devastating consequences of the intensive use of explosive weapons in populated areas by all parties in…