Relentless Humanitarianism

In: Global governance: a review of multilateralism and international organizations, Band 8, Heft 2, S. 149-154

Abstract

Explores the ethical dilemma of providing humanitarian & foreign aid to areas where political tyrants & perpetrators of mass violence may benefit, but argues that the withdrawal of life-saving services in protest is unacceptable. Relentless & tenacious efforts by aid agencies to stop human rights violations can force negligent or ruthless governments & groups to change. US ostracism of the Democratic Republic of Congo diminished Washington's influence in central Africa, while engagement with the People's Republic of China, despite its human rights violations, offers potential leverage. Governments & agencies should not politicize their humanitarian efforts, but should work to humanize the political agenda of nations. Even though caught in a foreign policy vacuum, impartial humanitarian aid agencies cannot place themselves in the position to determine fugitives among the refugees & the undeserving among the destitute. L. A. Hoffman