To celebrate the publication of the book Humanitarian Negotiations Revealed: The MSF Experience on MSF’s fortieth anniversary, SOAS is hosting a public lecture and panel discussion.
Speakers
Humanitarian Negotiations Revealed
© MSF
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Claire Magone (MSF)
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Michael Neuman (MSF)
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Niels Hahn (SOAS)
Details
Wednesday 23st November, 6pm
Room V111
School of Oriental and African Studies
University of London
Vernon Square
Penton Rise
London
WC1X 9EW
Humanitarian Negotiations Revealed
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
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.