Humanitarian diplomacy is a broad landscape and possibly one with internal contradictions. For example, traditionally humanitarian agencies have sought to distance themselves from mediation and human rights activism. The concept of humanitarian diplomacy requires at least an end to these silos. But how is the distance to be managed?
In this special podcast – recorded at a recent Sussex Development Lecture – Lewis Sida, IDS Honorary Associate and Co-Director of the IDS-led Humanitarian Learning Centre is in conversation with Martin Griffiths, former Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator of the United Nations. Martin brings extensive experience as a global mediator and his work has made him a key figure in humanitarian diplomacy.
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In this podcast Martin presents his own definition of the concept which includes: independent and principled mediation to end conflicts; humanitarian negotiation for access and protection; and advocacy against impunity and violations of international humanitarian law.
Humanitarian diplomacy is a broad landscape and possibly one with internal contradictions. For example, traditionally humanitarian agencies have sought to distance themselves from mediation and human rights activism. The concept of humanitarian diplomacy requires at least an end to these silos. But how is the distance to be managed?
Griffiths examines the humanitarian consensus that mediation is absent and that humanitarian agencies are left alone on the terrain of conflict:
- But what does this do to undermine the particularities of both?
- What does each community owe to the other?
- And where are the commonalities?
This podcast is a must-listen for those working and studying in humanitarian issues – particularly in today’s global climate where conflict continues and humanitarian advocacy is needed more than ever.
About the speaker
Martin Griffiths is the Founder and Director of the Global Humanitarian Diplomacy Group, an organisation which aims to address the increasing complexity of modern conflicts and humanitarian crises. Martin is also an IDS Honorary Associate.
With fifty years of professional experience in the United Nations and other global institutions, Martin served most recently as the United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator. In this capacity, Martin led humanitarian negotiations for principles and access to those in need. He was also the UN’s principal troubleshooter in conflicts and crises, and led the mediation resulting in the Black Sea Grain Initiative.
About the interviewer
Lewis Sida, Honorary Associate and Co-Director of the Humanitarian Learning Centre. Lewis Sida is an honorary associate of IDS and a humanitarian specialist working on organisation and system change. He is a founder and co-director of the Humanitarian Learning Centre at IDS. He has led several influential research projects and numerous evaluations, strategy, planning and policy processes.
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