Exploring humanitarian principles

  1. Brainstorm a list of resources the ADF might deploy on humanitarian operations which could complement or enhance the work done by civilian organisations.
  2. Watch this video to discover more about the four key humanitarian principles, and answer the following questions:

  1. Define each of the four terms in relation to humanitarian operations (more information can be found here: https://www.unocha.org/sites/unocha/files/OOM_Humanitarian%20Principles_Eng.pdf)
  2. With these principles in mind, suggest a few examples of how peacekeeping differs to humanitarian operations.
  3. How can humanitarian work contribute to international peace and security?
  4. What are some of the challenges that humanitarian aid workers may face?
Pic

Captain Jane Morris surrounded by Kurdish children in Northern Iraq during Operation Habitat, 1990–91.

(AWM P01762.021)

 

  1. Create a list of at least ten countries where the ADF has assisted in humanitarian operations. The following websites may assist:

https://www.airforce.gov.au/operations/humanitarian-support/recent-history-air-force-humanitarian-assistance

https://news.defence.gov.au/international

https://dfat.gov.au/aid/topics/investment-priorities/building-resilience/humanitarian-preparedness-and-response/Pages/humanitarian-prepraredness-and-response.aspx

https://dfat.gov.au/aid/where-we-give-aid/Pages/where-we-give-aid.aspx

  1. Are there any parts of the world that are more prone to receiving assistance from Australia? If so, why do you think this is?
  2. In line with the UN humanitarian principle of independence, do you think Australia’s decision to assist in these areas was free from political or military motivations? Find examples to support your opinion.
  3. Do you think Australia has a global responsibility to provide humanitarian aid to other countries in times of crisis? Divide the class to debate the affirmative and negative view points.

In 2006, Secretary General of the UN Ban Ki-Moon stated

“The moral authority of the United Nations depends on its ability to help people most in need, and it must do so with the highest ethical standards and professionalism.”

Council of Foreign Relations, New York, May 2006[1]

 

  1. What do you think Ban Ki-Moon meant by “moral authority of the United Nations”?

Sources:

[4] https://www.unocha.org/sites/unocha/files/OOM_Humanitarian%20Principles_Eng.pdf

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