Humanitarian diplomacy

Humanitarian diplomacy strives to mobilize public and governmental support and resources for humanitarian operations and programs, as well as to establish effective partnerships for responding to vulnerable people’s needs. It is the process of influencing decision-makers and opinion leaders to act in the best interests of vulnerable people at all times while adhering to basic humanitarian values. The most notable UN’s humanitarian goals are to feed the hungry and to help refugees, children, and the sick. 

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From our blog

10th anniversary of the Humanitarian Diplomacy course

Christopher Lamb

This year, Diplo is marking the 10th anniversary year of its Humanitarian Diplomacy online course, delivered in partnership with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). This is a g...

Beyond partnership and participation: Community organising for ownership in humanitarian diplomacy and aid

Hannah Bird

The way in which the humanitarian aid sector operates has been challenged for some time. It is increasingly acknowledged that UN agencies and international non-governmental organisations (NGOs), often along with other...

The right of consular access: Two recent examples

Alan Franklin

On 20 December 2018 the UN General Assembly passed Resolution 73/257 entitled ‘Judgment of the International Court of Justice of 31 March 2004 concerning Avena and Other Mexican Nationals: Need...

[WebDebate #17 summary] Humanitarian diplomacy and the influence of new actors and new technology

Arieh Harel

Our November WebDebate focused on humanitarian diplomacy. As one of the ‘new diplomacies’, it does not only remind us of the importance of new actors, but also of the importance of conducting careful stakeholder a...

Training and courses

Resources

2022

Resolution on Safeguarding Humanitarian Data

The resolution Safeguarding Humanitarian Data addresses the centrality of data for humanitarian actions. It reiterates previous initiatives and resolutions of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.... Read more...

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2021

Humanitarian diplomacy

The message highlights the importance of humanitarian diplomacy as a critical tool in addressing global challenges and promoting humanitarian efforts worldwide.... Read more...

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2021

Citizen Diplomats: Exploring the Links Between Community Organising and Humanitarian Diplomacy

In this briefing paper, Hannah Bird explores the links between community organising and humanitarian diplomacy by drawing on the concepts and methods of community organising.... Read more...

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2019

Humanitarian public diplomacy: International calls to action in the digital era

This dissertation examines IOs (IOs) as emerging stars in the constellation of diplomatic actors, as extra-state and supra-state entities that do not replace, but rather complement, align with and encourage states. Specifically focusing on humanitarian - those attentiv... Read more...

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2017

Digital Diplomacy and the ICRC (Briefing Paper #7)

In this briefing paper, Ms Alice Maillot discusses the potential of digital diplomacy for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). She looks at the changing nature of diplomacy, new developments in digital diplomacy, and how the ICRC can implement and adopt... Read more...

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2015

The State of the Humanitarian System

The message discusses the challenging state of the humanitarian system, highlighting gaps in funding, coordination, and response effectiveness.... Read more...

2012

Humanitarian Principles

The text discusses the importance of applying humanitarian principles in aiding vulnerable populations, emphasizing humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence. These principles guide humanitarian action, ensuring that assistance is provided solely based on ne... Read more...

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2012

Message on Switzerland’s International Cooperation in 2013-2016

The message discusses Switzerland's international cooperation activities from 2013 to 2016.... Read more...

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