Making the most of the diverse humanitarian landscape

Substantial growth has characterized the humanitarian world over the last twenty years. The humanitarian landscape is increasingly global and geographically diverse with a plethora of NGOs, private companies, governments and armed forces all playing a role. These organizations sometimes have differing perceptions of the needs and priorities of the communities they seek to serve and take different approaches.

As a result, in certain highly mediatized crises, coordination can be a major challenge, while in others, too few organizations are alone struggling to meet enormous needs away from the spotlight.

We partner with national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies and other local organizations, and seek to improve our coordination with all organizations that are on the ground delivering aid impartially.

We believe that the diversity of the humanitarian response makes it possible to better meet the needs of vulnerable people. We should capitalize on this diversity, agreeing on core common values and principles while respecting each other's particular mandates, approaches and expertise. This will allow us to have the greatest humanitarian impact for those in need.

  • Perspectives from an Islamic NGO

    Hüseyin Oruç from the the IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation talks about humanitarian principles and explains the motivation behind the 2010 Gaza aid flotilla.
    > Video

  • Working in partnership

    ICRC president Peter Maurer talks about partnerships with local NGOs and Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
    > Video

  • Non-Western donors and humanitarism

    Opportunity knocks: why non-Western donors enter humanitarianism and how to make the best of it. International Review of the Red Cross, December 2011
    > Article