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Aid and violence, with special reference to Sierra Leone
1Development Studies Department, London School of Economics and Political Science. d.keen@lse.ac.uk
Disasters
|January 6, 1999
Summary
Departures from humanitarian principles in the international aid system were examined, using Sierra Leone (1991-1995) as a case study. Misinformation about violence and aid dynamics eroded core humanitarian principles.
Area of Science:
- Humanitarian Studies
- International Relations
- Conflict Analysis
Background:
- The international humanitarian system operates on core principles.
- Deviations from these principles can occur and require examination.
- The case of Sierra Leone presents a critical context for analyzing these issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the accommodation and legitimization of departures from humanitarian principles.
- To analyze the obscuring mechanisms within the international humanitarian system.
- To understand the role of misinformation in eroding humanitarian principles.
Main Methods:
- Case study analysis of Sierra Leone (1991-1995).
- Examination of the international humanitarian system's operational dynamics.
- Analysis of misinformation related to violence and aid.
Main Results:
- Departures from humanitarian principles were found to be accommodated and legitimized.
- Misinformation regarding the causes and dynamics of violence played a key role.
- Misinformation about the aid system itself contributed to the erosion of principles.
Conclusions:
- The study highlights vulnerabilities within the international humanitarian system.
- Misinformation is a significant factor in the compromise of humanitarian principles.
- Understanding these dynamics is crucial for maintaining humanitarian integrity.