The Use of Remote Programming Strategies in Highly InsecureCountries to Ensure the Provision of Humanitarian Assistance.Iraq: A Case Study

 Humanitarian assistance is coming under increasing threat as a result of the change in the
global security environment. Underdevelopment, and its associated problems, is seen as a
potential security threat to the West and as a result Western Governments have attempted to
co-opt aid as a component of foreign policy, leading to the blurring of the distinction
between the provision of aid for purely humanitarian reasons and the provision of aid for a
political objective.

Aid agencies are increasingly concerned that their staff are the targets of violence in the
areas where they work. Injuries and deaths are reported on a regular basis which in many
instances has led to the agencies withdrawing and the cessation of humanitarian assistance
to populations in need

The 2003 invasion of Iraq resulted in the collapse of the regime led by President Saddam
Hussein, followed by a major change in power dynamics within the country, with the
majority Shiites assuming power. The change in power dynamics has been a key factor
causing the subsequent high levels of violence seen throughout the country.
The levels of violence in Iraq have seriously affected the ability of Non Governmental
Organisations (NGOs) to provide much needed assistance to the civilian population. Rather
than stopping assistance NGOs are adapting their working practices so that they operate
through a series of remote programming strategies with international staff based outside of
Iraq, and the national staff maintaining a low profile or working incognito within the
country. This dissertation will examine the use of such remote programming strategies.