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Humanitarian Response and Accountability

Humanitarian aid and actions are designed to save lives, alleviate suffering and defend human dignity in artificial crises and natural disasters. Besides, preparedness for these types of events and improvement of resilience are also generally accepted as humanitarian aid.
Before proceeding forward, it is safe to clear out the gray zone among the terms like hazard, disaster, risks, and vulnerability.

Hazard is mainly a natural thing that we cannot control. These are the events or causes like cyclones or earthquakes etc. Vulnerability is the weakness of a system that a hazard can exploit. Risk is the multiplied value of Hazard and Vulnerability. Disaster is the impact of management capacity on the risks. Since we can not control hazards, we need to reduce vulnerabilities and increase management capacities to reduce disasters eventually.

As equations, we can say,

Risk = Hazard x Vulnerability

Disaster = Hazard x Vulnerability / Management Capacity.

The core principles of humanitarian aid are humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and independence.

Humanity means protecting human lives and lessening suffering. Impartiality indicates acting exclusively based on need, beyond discrimination between or within impacted populations. Neutrality means working without supporting any side in an armed conflict or another clash where such action is carried out. Sometimes, people mess up ‘neutrality’ with ‘impartiality.’ The term ‘neutrality’ is more abstract than the term ‘impartiality.’

On the other hand, the term ‘impartiality’ is more personal than the term ‘neutrality’. Independence is the autonomy of humanitarian objectives from the political, economic, military or other objectives that any actor may hold with regard to areas where humanitarian action is being employed. Nowadays, voluntary services, unity and universality are also considered newer principles of humanitarian response.

In order to improve the quality and effectiveness of assistance provided by organizations and individuals involved in humanitarian response, the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS) on quality and accountability is a globally recognized voluntary standard. It set out nine commitments for the organizations and individuals involved in humanitarian response. Those commitments can be used to improve the quality and effectiveness of assistance offered.

When emergencies happen, synchronization in the works of many entities is essential. Good coordination means less gaps and overlaps in the support delivered by humanitarian organizations.

United Nations General Assembly plotted the foundations of the international humanitarian coordination system on December 1991. Later, in 2005, the UN reformed the system and to increase predictability, accountability and partnership, the UN has introduced several new elements.

One such new element was the Cluster Approach. Clustering of humanitarian organizations in the various core sectors of humanitarian action, for example water, health and logistics, is made up of both UN and non-UN organizations. They are designated by the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) and have farm duties for coordination.

UN also built up UN Office for the Coordination (OCHA) which is responsible for bringing together humanitarian actors to warrant a coherent response to emergencies. OCHA also works to make sure that, there is a framework within which each actor which can contribute to the complete response effort.

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Unveiling the Human Tapestry: The Power of Ethnographic Research

Imagine stepping into a bustling marketplace, enveloped in a symphony of vibrant colors, diverse languages, and the aromatic scents of spices and freshly baked goods. As you navigate through the crowd, you observe the interactions between buyers and sellers, noticing subtle gestures, negotiation tactics, and the underlying social dynamics at play. This is the world of ethnographic research, where researchers become immersed in the very fabric of communities, unraveling the intricacies of human behavior and cultural practices.

Ethnographic research is a journey of discovery, an exploration into the heart of humanity. It goes beyond the surface-level understanding of cultures and delves into the essence of what it means to be part of a community. Ethnographers become active participants, embracing the unique perspectives and experiences of those they study. Through their eyes, they witness the triumphs, challenges, and daily rituals that shape people’s lives.

Introduction

In the vast realm of social sciences, one particular research approach stands out for its immersive and holistic exploration of human cultures and behaviors: ethnographic research. By immersing themselves in the natural environments of the communities they study, ethnographers gain unique insights into the complex tapestry of human life, shedding light on diverse cultural practices, social dynamics, and individual experiences. In this blog article, we delve into the fascinating world of ethnographic research, its methods, and the valuable knowledge it generates.

What is Ethnographic Research?

Ethnographic research is a qualitative research methodology employed by anthropologists, sociologists, and other social scientists to study cultures and societies. Rooted in the principles of anthropology, ethnography aims to understand the nuances of human behavior and social interactions within specific cultural contexts. Unlike traditional survey-based methods, ethnographers actively participate in the lives of the people they study, immersing themselves in their communities, observing daily routines, and conducting in-depth interviews and conversations.

The Ethnographic Journey

The journey of an ethnographer begins with selecting a research site and gaining access to the community they intend to study. This process involves building relationships, earning trust, and establishing rapport with the individuals and groups under investigation. It is essential for the researcher to become an accepted member of the community to gain authentic insights and to minimize the influence of the observer effect.

Once immersed, ethnographers employ a range of data collection techniques to capture the rich tapestry of human experiences. Participant observation is a fundamental aspect of ethnography, where researchers actively engage in and observe social activities, rituals, and everyday routines. Through this method, they can grasp the subtleties of cultural practices, social hierarchies, and group dynamics.

In addition to participant observation, ethnographers conduct interviews and conversations with individuals from various backgrounds and roles within the community. These interviews can be structured or unstructured, depending on the research goals, allowing researchers to delve deep into personal narratives, values, and beliefs. These insights help build a comprehensive understanding of the community’s norms, values, and social structures.

Ethics and Challenges

Ethnographic research raises several ethical considerations that researchers must navigate carefully. Respecting the privacy and dignity of participants is of paramount importance. Informed consent, confidentiality, and the protection of vulnerable populations are vital ethical principles that must guide every step of the research process.

Furthermore, conducting ethnographic research can present challenges such as the potential for researcher bias and subjectivity. Researchers must be aware of their own cultural biases and strive for reflexivity, constantly examining how their perspectives may influence data collection and analysis.

The Value of Ethnographic Research

Ethnographic research generates an array of invaluable insights and knowledge. By embracing the lived experiences of individuals within their cultural context, ethnographers can offer an in-depth understanding of societal issues, cultural phenomena, and complex human behaviors. This method helps to bridge gaps in intercultural understanding, challenge stereotypes, and inform policy decisions.

Ethnographic research findings can be instrumental in various fields such as education, healthcare, marketing, and community development. In education, ethnography helps educators understand the cultural factors influencing learning and tailor teaching strategies accordingly. In healthcare, ethnographic studies shed light on cultural beliefs and practices surrounding illness, leading to improved patient care and engagement.

Conclusion

Ethnographic research represents a profound and powerful tool for exploring the vast diversity of human cultures, behaviors, and social interactions. By immersing themselves in the lives of the communities they study, ethnographers gain unique insights that cannot be captured through traditional research methods. Ethnography holds immense potential for fostering intercultural understanding, informing policy decisions, and promoting social change. In a world increasingly interconnected and diverse, ethnographic research serves as a gateway to unraveling the complexities of the human tapestry.