Dilemmas of humanitarian aid under the spotlight

08 Dec 2011

Experts from The University of Manchester and an influential NGO are to discuss the choices and dilemmas of modern humanitarian aid today (8 December)

Staff from the University’s Humanitarian and Conflict Response Institute and its partner Médecins Sans Frontières will celebrate the NGO’s 40th anniversary at the event.

They will debate on MSF's latest book: Humanitarian Negotiations Revealed, which examines the reality of the compromises MSF made – some successfully and some less so – to try and help the people suffering most in the world today. 

Released just a few weeks before MSF celebrated its 40th anniversary, the book punctures a number of the myths that place humanitarianism above politics.

At a time where humanitarian actors are questioning their ability to overcome the obstacles they are encountering, this book seeks to help fuel the debate on their ambitions and the best ways of fulfilling them.

Bertrand Taithe, Professor of Cultural History and Director of the Humanitarian and Conflict Response Institute said: “The Humanitarian and Conflict Response Institute is very happy to celebrate in our own way the 40th anniversary of Médecins Sans Frontières.

“This NGO is probably the largest medical emergency organization in the world and it has shaped much of the humanitarian world of today.

“We will celebrate this anniversary by having a presentation and debate of MSF's latest collective book: Humanitarian Negotiations Revealed, a self-critical account of the choices and dilemmas of modern humanitarian aid."

Speakers include Dr Rony Brauman, HCRI Director and Director of Research at CRASH Médecins Sans Frontières.