There is a strong need for an International Ombuds (Ombudsman) for Humanitarian and Development Aid. The Ombuds could be a relevant factor in preventing sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment of people in vulnerable situations, and could be a support for victims. There are, however, also challenges, related to logistics, security, jurisdiction, and ensuring appropriate follow up.
- Professor
- Speaker
- Speaker
- Speaker
- Date
- Wednesday 21 Nov 2018, 15:30 - 17:00
- Type
- Symposium
- Spoken Language
- English
- Location
Humanity House, Prinsegracht 8, The Hague
The International Institute of Social Studies (ISS) and the Platform for Humanitarian Knowledge Exchange in the Netherlands (KUNO) is organizing a symposium to present their report on the need for an International Ombuds.
The presentation will be followed by a debate around questions such as:
- What is the potential of the international Ombuds for aid and can challenges be addressed properly?
How can the initiative enrich and complement other ongoing initiatives to advance safeguarding in the sector?
Speakers
- Thea Hilhorst, professor of humanitarian aid and reconstruction, ISS and co-author of the report
- Asmita Naik, International Development and Human Rights Consultant, co-author of the report
- Bart Romijn, Director, Partos
- Marinus Verweij, CEO, ICCO-Cooperation
- A representative of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs
About the report
For the report, drawn up at the request of the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ISS professor Thea Hilhorst, Asmita Naik and Andrew Cunningham reviewed specialists and aid workers representing different parts of the sector and reviewed numerous documents and websites. Besides the conclusion that there is a strong need for an International Ombuds, they also see challenges, related to logistics, security, jurisdiction, and ensuring appropriate follow up.
