Scroll down to view a recording of this event.

Scroll down to view a recording of this event.

Over recent years, the rapidly evolving nature of conflicts and complex humanitarian crises has not only deeply challenged, but also changed the humanitarian sector. Three main types of factors influence today the future of humanitarian action: first, the multifaceted threats to populations and the corresponding mobilization of humanitarian response; second, the challenges to compliance with fundamental humanitarian principles, international humanitarian law, and access to vulnerable populations; and, third, the emerging innovative tools and methods that the humanitarian sector itself applies to respond to humanitarian crises.

The creation of the ICRC 150 years ago marks the beginning of modern humanitarianism. This anniversary represents an opportunity to reflect on the evolution not only of the ICRC, but of the humanitarian sector in general. It is also an occasion to critically assess how humanitarian organisations anticipate future crisis and challenges, while becoming more professional, adaptive and capable of engaging with new humanitarian actors.

To this end, HPCR and the International Review of the Red Cross are pleased to co-host this Live Web Seminar in light of the recently launched issue of the Review on “The future of humanitarian action” (IRRC, No 884).

The panelists will give their perspective on key questions relating to the future of humanitarian action, including:

• What are the most salient challenges for humanitarian organizations today given the multifaceted and complex nature of these crises?
• How do increasingly complex environments expand our reflection and understanding of what it means to be a humanitarian professional?
• Is there a common understanding of the humanitarian principles and should they be reinterpreted in light of the current challenges in the field?
• How will the emerging challenges in humanitarian response transform the current networks and partners of humanitarian actors?"

Expert Panel:

• Peter Maurer, President of the ICRC
• Erika Feller, Assistant High Commissioner for Protection, UNHCR
• Fabrice Weissman, Coordinator and Research Director at Fondation MSF
• Jehangir Malik, Director of Islamic Relief UK

Moderated By:

• Christina Blunt (Senior Project Coordinator, HPCR)
• Vincent Bernard (Editor-in-Chief of the International Review of the Red Cross)

Resources

• Paula Lucci and Pedro Martins, Post-2015: Can we talk about migration?, Overseas Development Institute, February 2013.
• Homi Kharas and Andrew Rogerson, Horizon 2025: creative destruction in the aid industry, Overseas Development Institute, July 2012.
• Jérémie Labbé, Rethinking Humanitarian: Adapting to 21st Century Challenges, International Peace Institute, 16 November 2012.
• Elizabeth Ferris, Megatrends and the future of humanitarian action, International Review of the Red Cross, No. 884, 31 December 2011.
• Randolph Kent, Planning from the future: an emerging agenda, International Review of the Red Cross, No. 884, 31 December 2011.
• Andrea Binder and Claudia Meier, Opportunity knocks: why non-Western donors enter humanitarianism and how to make the best of it, International Review of the Red Cross, No. 884, 31 December 2001.
• François Audet, What future role for local organizations? A reflection on the need for humanitarian capacity-building International Review of the Red Cross, No.884, 31 December 2011.
• Peter Walker and Catherine Russ,
• Fit for purpose: the role of modern professionalism in evolving the humanitarian endeavor, International Review of the Red Cross, No. 884, 31 December 2011.
• Patrick Meier, New information technologies and their impact in the humanitarian sector, International Review of the Red Cross, No. 884, 31 December 2011.
• Joe Belliveau, ’Remote management’ in Somalia, Humanitarian Exchange Magazine, Issue 56, 23 January 2013.
• UN High Commissioner for Refugees,Statement by Ms. Erika Feller, Assistant High Commissioner (Protection) High Level Segment of the 19th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, 1 March 2012
• Kerry Smith, Non-Dac Donors and Humanitarian Aid, Shifting structures, changing trends, Global Humanitarian Assistance, July 2011.
• Glyn Taylor, et all, The State of Humanitarian System,Overseas Development Institute, July 2012.
• Erika Feller, Striking a Fair Balance: Protecting Individuals, Embracing Communities, Upholding Responsibility Sharing, UNHCR, Sixty-Third Session of the Executive Committee, 3 October 2012.