Tools for the Job: Supporting Principled Humanitarian Action

A recent poll confirmed widespread popular support for continued European Union funding of humanitarian aid, with 88% of respondents in favour. At the same time, the harsh economic climate, increasingly complex emergencies and a politically polarised world are exerting pres- sure on humanitarian organisations and donors alike. Within this context, this report, Tools for the Job, based on case studies conducted in Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Pakistan and South Sudan, considers principled humanitarian action from the perspectives of both non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and donors. It examines hurdles that can prevent humanitarian organisations from adhering to the principles of humanity, impartiality, independ- ence and neutrality, which serve as the basis for humanitarian action and assist humanitarian actors in overcoming challenges.

The humanitarian principles are grounded in international humanitarian law and have been re- affirmed in various United Nations resolutions. Furthermore, they are integrated into frameworks developed by humanitarian organisations to guide them in their daily work; examples include the Code of Conduct for the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and the SPHERE Project. Many NGOs have since incorporated the principles into their policies and procedures.