| Description |
xiii, 287 pages : maps ; 22 cm |
| Summary |
From international NGOs to UN agencies, from donors to observers of humanitarianism, opinion is unanimous: in a context of the alleged 'clash of civilisations', our 'humanitarian space' is shrinking. Put another way, the freedom of action and of speech of humanitarians is being eroded due to the radicalisation of conflicts and the reaffirmation of state sovereignty over aid actors and policies. The purpose of this book is to challenge this assumption through an analysis of the events that have marked MSF’s history since 2003 (when MSF published its first general work on humanitarian action and its relationships with governments). It addresses the evolution of humanitarian goals, the resistance to these goals and the political arrangements that overcame this resistance (or that failed to do so). The contributors seek to analyse the political transactions and balances of power and interests that allow aid activities to move forward, but that are usually masked by the lofty rhetoric of 'humanitarian principles.' They focus on one key question: what is an acceptable compromise for MSF? This book seeks to puncture a number of the myths that have grown up over the forty years since MSF was founded and describes in detail how the ideals of humanitarian principles and 'humanitarian space' operating in conflict zones are in reality illusory. How, in fact, it is the grubby negotiations with varying parties, each of whom have their own vested interests, that may allow organisations such as MSF to operate in a given crisis situation - or not. |
| Contents |
Cover -- Half-title -- Title -- Copyright -- Contents -- About the Contributors -- List of Maps -- Abbreviations -- Acknowledgments -- Introduction: Acting at Any Price? -- PART I: STORIES -- Sri Lanka: Amid All-Out War -- Ethiopia: A Fool's Game in Ogaden -- Yemen: A Low Profile -- Afghanistan: Regaining Leverage -- Pakistan: The Other Side of the COIN -- Somalia: Everything is Open to Negotiation -- Gaza Strip: A Perilous Transition -- Myanmar: "Golfing with the Generals" -- Nigeria: Public (Health) Relations -- India: The Expert and the Militant -- South Africa: MSF, an African NGO? -- France: Managing the "Undesirables" -- PART II: HISTORY -- Silence Heals... From the Cold War to the War on Terror, MSF Speaks Out: A Brief History -- Caring for Health -- Natural Disasters: "Do Something!" -- Epilogue: In the Name of Emergency. How MSF Adapts and Justifies its Choices -- Afterword -- Notes -- Index |
| Summary |
Published to coincide with the 40th Anniversary of Médecin Sans Frontèires (MSF), this book reveals the realpolitik behind NGO work. |
| Bibliography |
Includes bibliographical references and index |
| Subject |
Médecins sans frontières (Association)
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Medical assistance.
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Public health -- International cooperation.
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Humanitarian assistance.
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Negotiating -- methods.
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Politics.
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Relief Work -- legislation & jurisprudence.
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Voluntary Health Agencies -- legislation & jurisprudence.
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| Author |
Magone, Claire.
|
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Neuman, Michael, 1955-
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Weissman, Fabrice, 1969-
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Médecins sans frontières (Association)
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| LC no. |
2011508859 |
| ISBN |
9781849041621 |
|
1849041628 |
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9781849041638 (paperback) |
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1849041636 (paperback) |
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