Contextual understanding, coordination and humanitarian space: key issues for Haiti

The image of the humanitarian sector and the confidence that people have in it determine the quality of aid, the security of humanitarian staff and the possibility of having a positive impact in the long term. These are vital issues which need to be taken into account in a difficult context like Haiti which has experienced periods of violence and which is confronted today with enormous challenges following a large-scale disaster. Understanding of the context, coordination mechanisms and perceptions of the relations between humanitarians, the government and the army are key factors which need to be analysed to understand the image of aid.