The Future of Humanitarianism in Afghanistan
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This Live Seminar examined the shifting landscape for humanitarian organizations in Afghanistan. Recent reports indicate a potential increase in violence in 2011, projecting more civilian casualties and displacement alongside a diminished ability for humanitarian organizations to reach those most in need of assistance. Amid concerns regarding the security of humanitarian personnel and maintaining access to vulnerable populations, this Live Seminar addressed the following questions:
- In what ways may the counterinsurgency strategy have an effect on the delivery of aid?
- How may United Nations’ agencies and departments that deliver aid approach concerns regarding militarization and politicization of aid?
- How may perceptions of humanitarian organizations shift when aid organizations work alongside pro-government forces and political entities?
- What political constraints, from both Afghan authorities and donor states, may affect the delivery of humanitarian aid?
- How may the presence of Provincial Reconstruction Teams throughout most of Afghanistan shape perceptions of humanitarian organizations?
These questions were answered by reference to contemporary Afghanistan.
Naz Modirzadeh (Associate Director of HPCR) and Elizabeth Holland (Program Associate) hosted the discussion.
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