Honors Theses
Date of Award
2011
Document Type
Undergraduate Thesis
Department
Croft Institute for International Studies
First Advisor
Philip Jackson
Relational Format
Dissertation/Thesis
Abstract
Since the origin of formal humanitarianism with the Geneva Conventions of 1864, aid organizations have become a major player on the global stage. Humanitarian aid has gone through significant changes over the years, being influenced by international events and the evolution of international relations. As with other international actors, aid organizations encounter a number of dilemmas, and this thesis aims to address one of the more recent struggles of aid agencies. The fundamental principles of impartiality and neutrality have become controversial, especially in complex humanitarian situations such as the aftermath of the Rwandan genocide. This catastrophe is known as the Great Lakes Refugee Crisis, and this thesis addresses the difficulties faced by humanitarian aid agencies, how the crisis was perpetuated by aid, and some possible solutions for future crises. This includes an analysis of three organizations: the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the World Food Programme, and Doctors Without Borders. Data was derived from original documents from these organizations, as well as personal testimonies and secondary historical sources. Conclusions consist of policy recommendations on security, accountability, and training in aid organizations for an overall boost in professionalism in the field of humanitarianism.
Recommended Citation
Savely, Maggie Elizabeth, "Fundamental Humanitarian Principles in Aid Organizations: Impartiality and Neutrality in the Great Lakes Refugee Crisis" (2011). Honors Theses. 2417.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/hon_thesis/2417
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