On Monday 21st November, a month before MSF 'celebrates' 40 years since its foundation, we will be releasing a rather unusual book – Humanitarian Negotiations Revealed – together with the publishers Hurst. In the evening we are holding a panel discussion to debate some of the issues the book raises.
This book 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.
MSF in the field
Humanitarian Negotiations Revealed
© MSF
Case studies from recent conflicts such as Yemen, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan lay bare the reality of MSF’s efforts to reach the most affected people, and explore just what the limits of compromise should be.
There are also a series of thematic essays that explore broader issues, such as the real usefulness of aid responses to natural disasters.
Critical eye
The book is written by MSF insiders, but is far from a PR exercise. Decisions made in the ‘heat of battle’ by MSF are unpicked and critiqued.
Released just a few weeks before MSF celebrates its fortieth anniversary, the book sets out to deliberately puncture a number of the myths that place humanitarianism above politics and describes how in fact it is the difficult negotiations with varying parties, each of whom have their own vested interests, that can permit an aid agency to work in a given area – or not.
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.
Launch and discussion
The launch event takes place at the Royal Society of Medicine, 1 Wimpole Street London.
Authors and contributors to the book Fabrice Weissman, Michael Neuman and Michiel Hofman will be on the panel, which will be moderated by the veteran journalist Peter Gill. The discussion starts at 7pm.
We are happy to welcome all interested parties to this event. However due to limited space it is essential to RSVP. Please confirm attendance to comms.intern@london.msf.org