Depoliticizing humanitarian action

Is it ever possible to separate humanitarian action from politics? 

Even though humanitarians find themselves working in political settings, and arguably do politics, on a daily basis, both are too often considered as separate worlds. In our crisis-ridden times, it's incredibly important that we reflect on the intended and less-intended consequences of pretending that humanitarian action is not political. 

This webinar, hosted by the Humanitarian Studies Centre (HSC) and Humanitarian Governance research project, coincides with the launch of the book Depoliticising Humanitarian Action, edited by Isabelle Desportes (Centre Marc Bloch, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin), Alice Corbet (French National Centre for Scientific Research) and Ayesha Siddiqi (Cambridge University). 

• What are the paradigms that shape humanitarian depoliticization? 
• What dilemmas does depoliticization present for practitioners and affected communities? 
• And where is it being resisted, and how? 

The webinar will feature four contributors to the book, each highlighting a different element of depoliticizing humanitarian action:

• Overall introduction, importance, and overview by Isabelle Desportes
• Austere rationalities: UK food banks, humanitarian practice, and the depoliticization of need by Samuel Strong (Nottingham University)
• Depoliticization is disaster risk creation: Insights into non‑governmental organisations’ disaster prevention and humanitarian response in the Philippines by Jake Cadag (University of the Philippines)
• Resisting depoliticization: Alternative humanitarian advocacy from the experiences of women and feminists in Colombia by Gabriela Villacis Izquierdo (HSC – International Institute of Social Studies)

The presentations will be followed by a reflection by Dorothea Hilhorst, Professor of Humanitarian Studies & HSC Director (International Institute of Social Studies).

There will also be a chance to ask questions to the presenters and panellists.