Ethical codes in humanitarian emergencies: from practice to research?

Area of Science:

• Humanitarian Studies
• Conflict Research
• Research Ethics

Background:

• International NGOs and UN organizations have developed codes of conduct for humanitarian intervention.
• Academic engagement with humanitarian crises is often unregulated, exceeding general university research ethics.
• Existing ethical frameworks for humanitarian intervention are not always applied to academic research in crisis zones.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the ethical challenges of academic research in complex political emergencies.
• To explore lessons from humanitarian intervention guidelines for academic research in crisis settings.
• To assess the role and responsibilities of academic researchers during humanitarian crises.

Main Methods:

• Case study analysis of research on humanitarian assistance in Liberia (1989-1996).
• Examination of ethical guidelines developed for humanitarian operations in Liberia: Joint Policy of Operations (JPO) and Principles and Policies of Humanitarian Operations (PPHO).
• Review of experiences conducting research in a war-torn environment.

Main Results:

• Humanitarian agencies in Liberia developed specific ethical guidelines (JPO, PPHO) due to operational difficulties.
• Academic research in humanitarian crises faces unique ethical dilemmas not fully addressed by general research ethics.
• The Liberian case highlights the need for tailored ethical frameworks for researchers in conflict zones.

Conclusions:

• Ethical guidelines for humanitarian intervention offer valuable insights for academic research in crisis settings.
• There is a need for more robust and specific ethical frameworks governing academic research during humanitarian crises.
• Academic research must be better integrated into humanitarian response with clear ethical considerations for researchers and research practices.