Humanitarian Aid under Stress: Assessing the Role of NGOs

Abstract

Humanitarian NGOs currently face many challenges that inhibit their ability to deliver aid and place the humanitarian principles under stress. The politicization of aid by both donor and host governments has influenced the direction of aid delivery. Likewise, the ability of sovereign states to deny aid hampers NGO mobility within crisis zones. Within crisis zones, hostile state-backed, or non-state backed armed groups create difficulties for NGOs attempting to deliver aid, such as coercing goods for access. However, successful cooperation with armed groups and the local community can also lead to greater effectiveness in the delivery of humanitarian aid. Another concern for NGOs working on the ground is the physical risk to the safety of humanitarian aid workers. Remote working and technological innovation have emerged as methods to address this issue. Yet, problems persist. It is suggested that humanitarian NGOs consider the following recommendations to improve the state of humanitarian aid.