Supporting Principled Humanitarian Action

A recent poll confirmed widespread popular support for continued European Union funding of humanitarian aid, with 88% of respondents in favour.At the same time, the harsh economic climate, increasingly complex emergencies and a politically polarised world are exerting pressure on humanitarian organisations and donors alike. Within this context, this report, Tools for the Job, based on case studies conducted in Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Pakistan and South Sudan, considers principled humanitarian action from the perspectives of both non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and donors. It examines hurdles that can prevent humanitarian organisations from adhering to the principles of humanity, impartiality, independence and neutrality, which serve as the basis for humanitarian action and assist humanitarian actors in overcoming challenges.