News
#CHA25 Conference Review
4. July 2025From 25.06.2025 – 26.06.2025, the CHA dedicated its annual conference to the topic “Contested Aid – Power Shifts, Politicisation and Prioritisation”. Here you can find all session videos of day 1.
Letter to ERC Fletcher: requests for reforms by doners
3. July 202521 donor countries have sent a joint letter to UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher calling for more substantial reforms.
CHAtroom #22: Humanitarian Reset
19. June 2025Hibak Kalfan, Executive Director at NEAR, in an interview with CHA Director Ralf Südhoff on the much-discussed ‘Humanitarian Reset’.
Job Offer: Office Management and Finance
17. June 2025The Centre for Humanitarian Action (CHA) is seeking a part-time (60%-80) Administrative Assistant (m/f/d) with a focus on office management and finance to join the office in Berlin-Mitte in October 2025.
Guest commentary in German daily Tagesspiegel
3. June 2025Europe has committed itself to the humanitarian principles of neutral aid for people in greatest need. It can strengthen its foreign policy and humanitarian profile by defending these values – writes CHA Director Ralf Südhoff in this guest article for German daily Tagesspiegel.
Neglected crises and a world in transition
21. May 2025On 3 June 2025 Ralf Südhoff moderates the launch of Norwegian Refugee Council’s annual report on the world’s ten most neglected displacement crises.
Sonja Hövelmann at parliamentary briefing
16. May 2025At a parliamentary breakfast in the Bundestag, Sonja Hövelmann as well as Dr Ina Heusgen, Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid at the Federal Foreign Office gave an input on the end of USAID and Germany’s role in strengthening and reforming an eroding humanitarian system.
Second edition of the training course: Humanitarian action all round
3. April 2025In May 2025, CHA will once again be offering the course ‘Humanitarian Work All-Round: Foundations, Challenges, Trends’ at the aha – academy for humanitarian action.
CHAtroom #21 – Humanitarian action in turbulent times
3. April 2025Niels Annen, Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, in an interview with Ralf Südhoff on the current controversies surrounding humanitarian action and development cooperation.
Sonja Hövelmann in German media about USAID
18. March 2025In a couple of interviews Sonja Hövelmann explained what the shutdown of USAID means for global development and humanitarian action.
JOB POST: INTERNSHIP
6. March 2025We are looking for a full-time intern to join our team in Berlin-Mitte starting mid/end august 2025. Application deadline: 11.05.2025
Sonja Hövelmann at media briefing on USAID
21. February 2025Sonja Hövelmann took part in a media briefing on the global consequences of USAID’s dismantling.
Parliament Hearing on Forgotten Crises
4. December 2024On December 18, CHA Director Ralf Südhoff is invited as an expert to a public hearing of the parliamentary committee on human rights and humanitarian aid in the German Federal Parliament on forgotten humanitarian crises’. Read his statement here.
Award Ceremony “Humanitarian Aid Journalism Award”
22. November 2024The winner of this year’s ‘Humanitarian Aid Journalism Award’ was chosen on 20 November – the laudatory speech was given by CHA Director Ralf Südhoff.
CHA at the Humanitarian Congress 2024
9. October 2024“Critical Choices – Triaging humanitarian action” is the theme of this year’s Humanitarian Congress, which will take place in Berlin on October 16 and 17, 2024. The CHA will be represented on two panels and with a stand.
New German humanitarian strategy
27. September 2024Analyses and media coverage on the new German Federal Foreign Office strategy for humanitarian assistance abroad published on 26 September.
CHA and ICVA to cooperate on Takeaways
10. September 2024Even more relevant, even more helpful: in future, the Humanitarian Takeaways will be curated by CHA in cooperation with the International Council of Voluntary Agencies (ICVA).
CHA moves to new office
4. September 2024Together with the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) and jobs4refugees, CHA is moving into new premises in September.
CHA Conference 2024 CHAtroom Special
3. September 2024In our three CHAtroom special features on the CHA Conference 2024, we welcome Janani Vivekananda, Pınar Okur and Shashwat Saraf.
Training course: Humanitarian action all round
29. August 2024Starting November 2024 CHA will offer the “Humanitarian action all round: foundations, challenges, trends” training course at the aha – academy for humanitarian action.
Andrea Düchting at AidEx 2024
20. August 2024Andrea Düchting chaired the panel on ‘Humanitarian Innovation’ at the AidEx Conference in Geneva in October.
CHA at rbb Radio3 on World Humanitarian Day
19. August 2024To mark World Humanitarian Day, CHA Director Ralf Südhoff was invited to rbb radio3 to talk about the most significant political challenges to humanitarian action.
CHAtroom #17: Prioritisation in humanitarian action
27. June 2024Ralf Südhoff discusses with Hugo Slim which criteria should be used to prioritise humanitarian aid in the future.
New CHA Supervisory Board
24. June 2024A new Supervisory Board was elected at the CHA General Assembly on 20 June 2024.
Staff changes at CHA
24. June 2024This summer sees some personnel changes at CHA: For example Sonja Hövelmann, board advisor and research fellow, will be seconded to Mozambique for an assignment with UNHCR.
#CHA24 Conference Review
14. June 2024From 04.06.2024 to 05.06.2024, CHA has hosted its annual conference on the topic “Climate & humanitarian crises and the lack of a joint response – Needs, narratives and necessities.” Here you will find a video gallery with the recorded sessions of the conference.
CHAtroom #16: European humanitarian aid and the upcoming elections
30. May 2024Why might the forecasted right populist swing at the European elections be no problem for humanitarian aid? Former Director General Michael Köhler of DG ECHO in in the CHAtroom with Ralf Südhoff.
Andrea Düchting at Humanitarian Networks and Partnerships Week (HNPW)
6. May 2024Andrea Düchting will speak on 7 May at the Humanitarian Networks and Partnerships Week (HNPW) on a panel organised by Upinion with the title “‘Listen to us’: affected people reimagining feedback”
New CHAtroom Episode: Influencer Europe
26. April 2024Why is European coordination of humanitarian action needed? What are the reasons for the lack of coordination? Ralf Südhoff leads the CHA research project on Linking German and European policy capacities and is our guest in the CHAtroom.
Sonja Hövelmann at VSF international
16. April 2024On 18 April 2024 Sonja Hövelmann will give an input on “The future of international cooperation and Humanitarian Assistance? What NGO’s do we need in 5-10 years?” at the global strategy meeting of Vétérinaires Sans Frontières.
Goda Milasiute presents Caritas Report at KANK meeting
10. April 2024On 11 April, Goda Milasiute will present her publication “Unfulfilled Promises” at the Catholic Committee for Emergency Assistance (KANK), highlighting the significant discrepancy between the commitments made and the actual support provided to local humanitarian organizations.
DRC is CHA endorsing partner
5. April 2024Since April 2024 the Danish Refugee Council is an official supporting partner organisation of CHA e.V.
Darina Pellowska on MzN international podcast
4. April 2024In “Chasing Impact – The MzN International Podcast” Darina Pellowska outlines the possibilities for equitable partnership in humanitarian project management.
Ralf Südhoff in the news on European coordination of humanitarian action
22. March 2024During the European Humanitarian Forum in Brussels, several interviews and guest articles were published on the topic of better cooperation between European actors.
Andrea Steinke on Haiti in German radio SR 2 and ntv podcast
15. March 2024Dr Andrea Steinke about the current escalation in Haiti on German radio SR 2 and ntv.
Andrea Düchting interviewed by Télécoms Sans Frontières
21. February 2024CHA Researcher Andrea Düchting discusses with Télécoms Sans Frontières (TSF) on digital and data literacy, accountability and involving people through technology.
5 Years of CHA
7. February 2024The CHA has turned 5 years old! Thank you to all the 130 guests who, despite strikes and adversities, came to our celebration to celebrate with us!
Andrea Steinke provides input on Haiti
22. January 2024On 25 January, Dr Andrea Steinke will give a brief input on the situation in Haiti as part of an exchange at the Federal Foreign Office.
Darina Pellowska presents paper at VENRO seminar
19. January 2024On 25 January, Darina Pellowska presents her current paper at the seminar “Localisation: Stocktaking for NGOs” organised by IFHV and VENRO.
Ralf Südhoff at HDP Conference
9. January 2024On 16 January, Ralf Südhoff will speak at the HDP Conference of the Bonn International Centre for Conflict Studies (bicc) on Panel 2 on the topic “Are there conditions under which the HDP should not be implemented?”
In Focus: Humanitarian action and the Climate Crisis
8. December 2023Just in time for the climate conference in Dubai, Caritas Germany has published the brochure “Humanitarian action in the face of the climate crisis”, with an introduction by Andrea Steinke.
Report launch at the European Parliament
6. December 2023On 5 December, the report “Unfulfilled Promises” for Caritas Europa was presented in the European Parliament.
Sonja Hövelmann at zif Workshop on HDP Nexus
7. November 2023Sonja Hövelmann takes part in a workshop organised by the Centre for International Peace Operations on opportunities, challenges and approaches to implementing the Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexus at country level.
Andrea Steinke at Médecins du Monde
18. October 2023Andrea Steinke will give the keynote speech on climate change and the challenges facing the humanitarian sector at the global general assembly of Médecins du Monde in Luxembourg.
Ralf Südhoff member of the jury for the Humanitarian Aid Journalism Award
13. October 2023Young journalists can apply for the “Humanitarian Aid Journalism Award” until 7 January 22024. Member of the jury: CHA Director Ralf Südhoff.
NRC is CHA endorsing partner
2. October 2023Since October 2023, NRC Germany is an endorsing partner organisation of the Centre for Humanitarian Action.
Goda Milasiute at the Human Rights Forum 2023
2. October 2023On 17 October, CHA researchers Goda Milasiute and Andrea Steinke will discuss transformative approaches in the humanitarian system at the Human Rights Forum.
Andrea Steinke at the expert dialogue on climate change, protection and migration
8. September 2023On 25 September 2023, Andrea Steinke will discuss future challenges posed by climate change at the expert dialogue organised by UNHCR, the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research and the German Institute for Human Rights.
Ralf Südhoff in German radio BR 2 on the Africa Climate Summit
7. September 2023CHA Director Ralf Südhoff comments on the results of the Africa ClimateSummit in German radio Bayern2.
Ralf Südhoff at CARE
6. September 2023CHA Director Ralf Südhoff will give a key note on the current challenges for the humanitarian system and civil society organisations at this year’s General Assembly of CARE Germany.
Berlin.Table with CHA Paper on German Humanitarian Action
5. September 2023In an analysis on Berlin.Table, the so far unpublished paper by Sonja Hövelmann and Ralf Südhoff on the international perception of German humanitarian action is quoted comprehensively [German].
Humanitarian Congress Berlin 2023
4. September 2023On October 10-13, 2023, the Humanitarian Congress will take place in Berlin. CHA will be represented on the panel as well as with an information booth.
Parliament hearing on health in conflict and war
1. September 2023CHA director Ralf Südhoff has been appointed as an expert for a public hearing of the Federal German Parliament and its Subcommittee on Global Health on 19 September 2023.
Ralf Südhoff on humanitarian trends of the future
28. August 2023At Swiss Solidarity’s Partner Day on 21 September, CHA Director Ralf Südhoff will give a presentation on the humanitarian trends of the future.
Darina Pellowska in podcast “Ultima Irratio”
8. August 2023In the podcast “Ultima Irratio – Questions of War and Peace” Darina Pellowska answers the question “How does humanitarian action actually work?”
Open house at the German Federal Foreign Office
8. August 2023Why are gender aspects important in humanitarian action? Goda Milasiute will discuss this with Anica Heinlein (CARE) and Sabine Eismann (AA) at the Open Day at the Federal Foreign Office in the Willy-Brandt-Saal on 19 August at 12 noon.
Ralf Südhoff in German media on the global food crisis and Syria
31. July 2023Ralf Südhoff was interviewed in the news programmes ProSieben Newstime and ZDF heute journal as well as by news agency epd about the global food crisis and the humanitarian situation in Syria.
Andrea Düchting at the Weizenbaum Conference
16. June 2023On 19 June CHA researcher Andrea Duechting discussed the use of social media in the context of migration, humanitarian action and mobility at the Weizenbaum Conference in Berlin.
European Network of Humanitarian Thinktanks
12. June 2023As part of the SPreAD Europe project, the CHA has initiated a network of humanitarian thinktanks in Europe – at a meeting in Madrid, the participating thinktanks have now adopted basic principles of cooperation.
#CHA23 Conference Review
12. June 2023On 23 and 24 May 2023, CHA has hosted a conference on the topic “Tackling power imbalances in humanitarian action – with technology and locally led management?!” In this video gallery you can review the entire conference.
Andrea Steinke on humanitarian principles at DKH
8. June 2023On 8 June 2023, CHA Research Fellow Andrea Steinke will give an input on humanitarian principles at Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe.
Andrea Düchting at the Humanitarian Futures Conference
5. June 2023On 8 June, Andrea Düchting will present her paper on Digital Accountability at the Humanitarian Futures Conference 2023 in Oslo.
Article on climate change and humanitarian action in “Wissenschaft & Frieden”
2. June 2023In the current issue of “Wissenschaft & Frieden”, CHA researcher Andrea Steinke explains what possible ways she sees for humanitarian action to meet the challenges posed by the climate crisis. [German]
2023 CHA Conference Podcast Double Feature
18. May 2023To get in the mood for the CHA Conference 2023, we invited two guests to the CHAtroom: Valentina Shafina and Arbie Baguios.
Crisis without war – article in the “Vereinte Nationen” magazine
27. April 2023The latest magazine “Vereinte Nationen” of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für die Vereinten Nationen features an article by Ralf Südhoff and Berit Reich about the current global food crisis.
Campaign on forgotten crises
13. April 2023Together with around 30 German aid organisations, CHA is drawing attention to forgotten crises as part of the #IntoFocus campaign.
Darina Pellowska presents paper at VENRO/IFHV workshop
27. March 2023On 30 March, Darina Pellowska will present her current paper at the workshop “Localisation: Stocktaking for NGOs” organised by IFHV and VENRO.
Andrea Steinke on the Triple Nexus
24. March 2023On 27 March, Andrea Steinke will give an input on the Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexus at Kindernothilfe.
Humanitarian Leadership in a fractured world
20. March 2023On 20 March, Ralf Südhoff will speak at the European Humanitarian Forum 2023 on leadership in the humanitarian sector in relation to climate change.
Andrea Steinke on German national radio about Haiti
17. February 2023CHA expert Andrea Steinke talks about Haiti on German national radio’s “Weltzeit” program on February 20.
Interviews with ZEIT Online, Frankfurter Rundschau and Tagesspiegel: The worst crisis year of the century
13. February 2023Ralf Südhoff talked to German newspapers ZEIT Online, Frankfurter Rundschau and Tagesspiegel about the current humanitarian situation and gave an outlook on the crisis year 2023.
Ralf Südhoff participates in DG ECHO brainstorming meeting “Expanding the donor base – introducing new approaches”
24. January 2023CHA Director Ralf Südhoff will attend a follow-up workshop by DG ECHO on expanding the humanitarian donor base on 9 February 2023.
Parliament hearing on humanitarian assistance
19. January 2023CHA director Ralf Südhoff has been appointed as an expert for a public hearing of the Federal German Parliament and its Committee on Human Rights and Humanitarian Aid on 23 January 2023.
The role of narratives in the rise of Germany as a humanitarian donor
12. January 2023As research partner of the Humanitarian Policy Group (HPG) the Centre for Humanitarian Action (CHA) will conduct a study titled ‘the role of narratives in the rise of Germany as a humanitarian donor’.
Goda Milasiute at the #teamDiversity Meeting
11. January 2023Why is gender-just language also important for think tanks? CHA researcher Goda Milasiute explains at the next #teamDiversity meeting on 17 January.
Andrea Steinke at the expert discussion of the Platform for Civil Conflict Prevention
1. January 2023On 2 February 2023 CHA researcher Andrea Steinke gives an input on the further development of the humanitarian-development-peace nexus at the online expert discussion “Rethinking Crisis Prevention – What Civilian Objectives Do We Need to Strengthen Germany’s Role in Conflict Management and Peacebuilding?”.
CHAtroom#12: Anti-Racism in humanitarian organisations in Germany
12. December 2022How does racism manifest itself in humanitarian organisations in Germany? How do organisations address the issue? Nezahat Xuereb, co-founder of the “BIPoC Network in Development and Humanitarian NGOs” is our guest in the CHAtroom.
Darina Pellowska in Leadership Lab Podcast
8. December 2022Darina Pellowska, research fellow at CHA and head of the localisation project, discusses the aspect of localisation in humanitarian leadership in the third episode of “The Leadership Lab” podcast series initiated by GELI.
Andrea Steinke on climate change and humanitarian change at the Danish Institute for International Studies
1. December 2022On December 13 CHA researcher Andrea Steinke gives an input on climate change & humanitarian change at the Danish Institute for International Studies.
#CHA22 Annual Conference Event review
30. November 2022From 23.11.2022 – 24.11.2022, CHA has organised its annual conference on the question “Where is the Humanitarian Turning Point?” Here you can revisit the conference or if you missed a particular session, re-watch the video compilation individually.
Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung: Drought in the Horn of Africa
30. November 2022Ralf Südhoff in the Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung on the catastrophic consequences of the ongoing droughts in the Horn of Africa.
Humanitarian Action in Theory and Practice at the University of Tübingen
29. November 2022Together with Martin Quack, the CHA organises the Humanitarian Action in Theory and Practice seminar for the second time at the University of Tübingen in the Peace and Conflict Studies Master’s programme.
CHAtroom #11: Humanitarian Digital Divide
20. October 2022New technology-driven approaches are already an integral part of humanitarian responses. These technologies have many benefits for aid users and aid organisations. But they also deepen the power imbalance, they have impacts on inclusion. Learn why in episode 11 of the CHAtroom.
Ralf Südhoff on the fight against hunger in the Augsburger Allgemeine
11. October 2022According to the latest figures from the United Nations, nearly 830 million people in the world are currently affected by hunger – around 150 million more than in 2019. CHA Director Ralf Südhoff gives an insight into the structural causes and what this means for the fight against hunger in the German daily Augsburger Allgemeine.
Humanitarian Congress: Goda Milasiute hosts panel on feminist approaches to (humanitarian) care work.
6. October 2022As host of the panel “Humanitarian Care Practices: A Critical Perspective”, Goda Milasiute (CHA) discusses critiques and proposals of feminist approaches to care work.
Civil-Military Co-operation and humanitarian principles: Sonja Hövelmann at the Bundeswehr Command and Staff College
3. October 2022On 4 October Sonja Hövelmann gives an input on Civil-Military Co-operation (CIMIC) and humanitarian principles at the international General Staff Training of the Bundeswehr Command and Staff College.
Andrea Steinke on the state of debate on climate change & humanitarian change at the Humanitarian Assistance Coordinating Committee
25. September 2022On September 26 CHA researcher Andrea Steinke gives an input on the state of debate on climate change & humanitarian change at the Humanitarian Assistance Coordinating Committee (KoA), the central forum between the German Government, humanitarian NGOs and other institutions in Germany.
CHA assigned to write the Flagship Report on locally led humanitarian action for Caritas Europa
13. September 2022The Centre for Humanitarian Action (CHA) has been contracted to write the first Caritas Europa (CE) Flagship Report on locally led humanitarian action.
JOB POST: RESEARCH INTERN (M/F/D)
1. September 2022We are looking for a full-time research intern starting in December 2022 to join our team in Berlin-Mitte. Deadline for Application: 16 October 2022
World Humanitarian Day
19. August 2022On the occasion of the World Humanitarian Day on August 19, 2022, CHA director Ralf Südhoff gave several interviews and called for a “humanitarian Zeitenwende”.
CHAtroom #10: New warfare, new humanitarian action
6. July 2022160 years after Henri Dunants Essay on the Battle of Solferino, Hugo Slim wrote a book on new warfare, cyber wars and its implications for the reform of the humanitarian sector. We discuss this in the 10th episode of the CHAtroom podcast:
Research trip: Perception of German humanitarian action
30. June 2022Starting on 29 June, CHA Director Ralf Südhoff is on a research trip to investigate how German and European humanitarian action are perceived internationally, as well as what profile and potential for improvement is attributed to them.
Ralf Südhoff on SWR2 Radio on the G7 summit
27. June 2022We are facing the most severe famine since the Second World War. CHA Director Ralf Südhoff explains what this means and what should be done by the G7 on German radio SWR2.
BR2 Radio: When hunger becomes a weapon
15. June 2022How can a global hunger crisis be tackled? Ralf Südhoff was guest of presenter Christine Krueger on German radio BR2 talk of the day.
Survey: Germany’s Humanitarian Engagement
20. May 2022How is the German humanitarian engagement viewed internationally? Participate now in our online survey!
Frankfurter Rundschau on Mali
11. May 2022Before the debate in the German Bundestag about the Bundeswehr mandate in Mali, German newspaper Frankfurter Rundschau spoke with Andrea Steinke, CHA research fellow. [German]
hr-iNFO report on the donor conference for Ukraine
5. May 2022German radio station hr-iNFO spoke with CHA director Ralf Südhoff about the relevance of donor conferences in general and the one for Ukraine on 5 May 2022 in particular. [German]
CHAtroom #8: Climate Change and humanitarian action
20. April 2022Is climate change just another humanitarian challenge or a game changer for the entire humanitarian system? In CHAtroom No.8 Paul Knox Clark, director of the ADAPT Initiative, provides answers.
Humanitarian Takeaways
7. April 2022In April 2022 we start with our “Humanitarian Takeaways” Mailing series – subscribe now and receive a comprehensive overview on a specific humanitarian topic every six weeks
Humanitarian crisis in Ukraine
30. March 2022Almost four weeks after the start of the war, Ralf Südhoff gave several interviews on the escalating humanitarian situation in Ukraine.
WDR Monitor: Afghanistan
4. March 2022The plight of the people in Afghanistan is also a consequence of Western sanctions. Urgently needed relief funds still hardly arrive. Ralf Südhoff at WDR Monitor.
CHAtroom #7: Mapping in Humanitarian Action
3. March 2022In this episode, Dr. Natascha Bing and Dr. Carolin Klonner explain how important geoinformation is for humanitarian action and how maps are created for this purpose. [German]
Interview with Frankfurter Rundschau: Independent aid is possible in many cases
27. January 2022Ralf Südhoff in an interview with German daily Frankfurter Rundschau about providing for the people in Afghanistan and ways to support the population without playing into the hands of the Taliban regime.
Job offer: Office Management and Finance
20. January 2022The Centre for Humanitarian Action (CHA) is seeking a part-time (50%) Administrative Assistant (m/f/d) with a focus on office management and finance to join the office in Berlin-Mitte in April 2022.
Afghanistan: Radio interview with Ralf Südhoff
11. January 2022UN aid for Afghanistan will cost at least 4.5 billion euros this year – the largest humanitarian appeal the United Nations has ever made for a country. Philine Sauvageot from SWR2 talks to Ralf Südhoff about the humanitarian situation in the country.
Humanitarian action and artificial intelligence
4. January 2022How can artificial intelligence be useful for humanitarian action? Ralf Südhoff speaks with Brent Philipps of the podcast series Humanitarian AI Today.
Job post: Student Assistant
3. January 2022You are a student and interested in humanitarian issues such as the protection of refugees or the localisation of international aid? Would you like to participate in the work of a humanitarian think tank and in practice-oriented research? Then apply now! Deadline is 24.01.2022!
Basic info: Humanitarian action at the United Nations
21. December 2021Humanitarian action is a core task of the United Nations, anchored in Article 1 of the Charter of the United Nations. But what does humanitarian action mean for the United Nations? Sonja Hövelmann, research fellow at CHA explains it in the UN-BASIS-INFORMATION 64 of the United Nations Association of Germany [German].
Lost Generation in the middle east
20. December 2021Violence, poverty and no school: in the Middle East, millions of children are growing up in dire need. Does the “lost generation” still have a chance? Can more money help them? asks Christian Böhme from the Tagesspiegel. CHA Director Ralf Südhoff calls on the new German government to expand Germany’s commitment.
CHA on Radio SWR2 about 75 years Unicef
16. December 2021The United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) was founded 75 years ago. In an interview with SWR2-Journal am Morgen, Ralf Südhoff spoke about Unicef’s role in a world full of crises, its important advocacy work for children’s rights and current challenges in humanitarian action.
CHAtroom #6: Localisation
25. November 2021How does the localisation of humanitarian action work in practice? Don’t we perhaps even have too romantic an idea of local partners? In this sixth episode of the CHAtroom, Kayu Orellana from Help – Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe e.V. provides answers [in German].
Job Post: Research Fellow – Digital Technologies in Humanitarian Action
19. November 2021The Centre for Humanitarian Action e.V. (CHA) is looking for a part-time (50%) Research Fellow (m/f/d) for its research project on the use of digital technologies in humanitarian action starting 1. February 2022.
CHA at the IHSA
2. November 2021From 3-5 November 2021, the IHSA conference will take place in Paris. CHA research fellows Sonja Hövelmann and Andrea Steinke present their papers, CHA director Ralf Südhoff invites to a meeting of Euopean think tank representatives.
Job post: research intern (m/f/d)
15. October 2021We are looking for a full-time research intern starting in January 2022 to join our team in Berlin-Mitte. Deadline for Application: 31 October 2021.
CHA studies Triple Nexus in the Chad Basin
29. September 2021The Centre for Humanitarian Action has been contracted to evaluate the nexus component of Plan International’s Lake Chad Programme Strategy. The project fits into the CHA work focus “Nexus in Practice” and gains insights into the practical implementation and challenges of the Triple Nexus.
CHA launches SPreAD project
23. September 2021Since July 2021, CHA has been working on the project “Strengthening Programme and Policy Relevant Capabilities of Humanitarian Actors in Germany (SPreAD)”, funded by the German Federal Foreign Office. Through networking, analysis and learning in the areas of European coordination, digitalisation and localisation, humanitarian actors are to be empowered to meet the increasing needs and challenges of humanitarian aid.
There are nine harvests left
17. September 2021A very worthwhile article in DIE ZEIT in the run-up to the UN World Food System Summit on 23 September explains why hunger is on the rise again worldwide. Ralf Südhoff, Director CHA has his say, criticising that also in food aid too little thought is given to when and how humanitarian action, development policy and conflict prevention should be better interlinked.
CHA at the Human Rights Film Festival and Forum
15. September 2021As a Forum Partner, the CHA is involved in various events at the Human Rights Film Festival and Human Rights Forum.
Austria willing to help?
30. August 2021Austria’s federal government strongly opposes taking in endangered Afghans, despite harsh criticism. Instead, it wants to provide aid on the ground. Kim Son Hoang from Der Standard also spoke with CHA Director Ralf Südhoff about this.
CHA in the Süddeutsche Zeitung
30. August 2021In the Süddeutsche Zeitung, Thomas Kirchner makes it clear that it was not the welcoming culture that brought more and more refugees to Germany in 2015, but sheer need. He also spoke with CHA director Ralf Südhoff about this.
First meeting of the Anti-Racism Forum
23. August 2021The Anti-Racism Forum will meet for the first time on 8 September 2021. The objective of the meeting in September is to get to know each other and to have a first exchange about perceptions of racism and anti-racism in our organisational environment.
CHA at Radio SWR2 on World Humanitarian Day
19. August 2021On the occasion of the World Day of Humanitarian Aid, Ralf Südhoff gave an interview in the culture magazine of radio station SWR2. In the interview with editor Martin Gramlich, the director of CHA warns against the politicization of humanitarian aid.
CHA e.V. starts with DRK as new member
29. June 2021After its founding phase, which began in 2019, CHA is now entering its second phase. The German Red Cross (DRK) will become a new partner of CHA e.V., which was founded in January, and on top of that we are moving to Wallstraße in Berlin-Mitte in July – exciting times! We are looking forward to the next steps.
CHAtroom #4: Decolonisation
29. June 2021Why he has been carrying a photo of Che Guevara in his wallet since he was 15, how the decolonisation agenda can be more than just an empty promise and why every voice is a “legitimate voice” is revealed by former MSF staff member and the new Director of the Global Health Centre Tammam Aloudat in the fourth episode of our CHAtroom. The episode is available in English. Listen and share!
BIPoC network in development and humanitarian NGOs
25. June 2021You are a BIPoC, work in the humanitarian or development sector and want to exchange with other BIPoC colleagues in a self-organised and self-determined way? Then the BIPoC network is for you. All information here.
CHA in Deutschlandfunk Kultur
17. June 2021On 15 June 2021, German radio channel Deutschlandfunk Kultur published a feature in its podcast series Zeitfragen, in which the system of humanitarian aid is being critically questioned. CHA director Ralf Südhoff is one of the experts cited in the feature.
CHAtroom #3: Reform project humanitarian aid
31. May 2021In the third episode of CHAtroom, CHA Research Fellow Darina Pellowska explains what the so-called Grand Bargain and localisation of humanitarian aid are all about, what makes an organisation “local” – and what her camera has to do with it.
#CHA_GB21 conference videos available now
20. May 2021From 11-12 May 2021, CHA has organised its annual conference on the future of the Grand Bargain. Here you can revisit the conference or if you missed a particular session, re-watch the video compilation individually.
Social Media Package for Grand Bargain Conference
6. May 2021On 11-12 May 2021, we will organise our annual CHA conference. Subject: Five years Grand Bargain –time to restart humanitarian reform? We have summarised all the important information in this social media package for you. Have a look!
CHAtroom #2 – what next for Syria?
22. April 2021In the second episode of our new podcast CHAtroom, Lena Schellhammer from the Syrian NGO Maram Foundation is our guest. Lena explains what fatal consequences counter-terrorism laws have for aid in Syria, why she focuses on a “Breaking the Silence” in her new CHA Paper and what her daily work in the Syrian border area is like.
CHA initiates Anti-Racism Forum
15. April 2021CHA is launching an Anti-Racism Forum. The aim: cross-organisational exchange and joint learning on the topic of anti-racism for staff from German aid organisations. Subscribe to our mailing list now and join in!
Cadus Debate on Sanctions in Syria
13. April 2021On 15 April 2021, CHA research fellow Sonja Hövelmann is invited as a speaker in the next Cadus Debate on sanctions in Syria, hosted by Cadus e.V. – Redefine Global Solidarity. More information on the event and how to participate can be found here.
Job Post: Communications Officer
18. March 2021We are looking for a Communications Officer to join our team in Berlin-Mitte. The position is fully responsible for online and offline communication, strategy development and knowledge transfer. Deadline for Application: 12 April 2021.
10 years Syria crisis – new CHA policy paper online
9. March 202115 March 2021 marks the tenth anniversary of the Syrian crisis. In our new publication, Lena Schellhammer analyses how counter-terrorism measures are affecting humanitarian negotiations in Syria and weakening aid workers’ access to people in need.
We are looking for a student assistant
22. February 2021You are a student and interested in humanitarian issues such as the protection of refugees or the localisation of international aid? Would you like to participate in the work of a humanitarian think tank and in practice-oriented research? Then apply now! Deadline is 30 April 2021.
CHAtroom – our CHA podcast is out!
22. February 2021The CHAtroom is online – a podcast that makes the people behind humanitarian work visible – or rather audible. In the first episode of CHAtroom, CHA Director Ralf Südhoff reveals how he came to CHA, what happened there in the last two years and what he would like to see in 2021. Prick up your ears and listen!
The next step: CHA becomes an independent association
17. February 2021On 21 January 2021, we founded CHA e.V. – with champagne, streamers and many plans for the future.
CHA @ Bundestag – Five years Grand Bargain
17. February 2021On 3 March 2021, CHA is invited as expert to the public hearing of the Committee on Human Rights and Humanitarian Aid at the German Bundestag to discuss the 5 years of the Grand Bargain. We look forward to participating!
CHA becomes part of the Humanitarian Aid Coordinating Committee
30. November 2020The Humanitarian Aid Coordinating Committee (KoA) is the discussion forum between the German government, NGOs and other humanitarian aid institutions. From January 2021, CHA will be a guest member of KoA – we are looking forward to it.
Recordings of #CHATripleNexus conference available now
2. November 2020From 26-27 October 2020, CHA has organised the international conference “Triple Nexus in Practice – What about Peace?”. Here you can revisit the conference or if you missed a particular session, re-watch the video compilation individually.
On the Basis of Need alone? Recording online now.
29. September 2020Universally consistent vs. culturally adapted standards – what should be prioritised when determining humanitarian needs? The recording of our joint webinar with the Excellence Cluster Africa Multiple of the University of Bayreuth “On the Basis of Needs Alone? Data Gathering, Impartiality and the Localisation of Humanitarian Action” on 24 September 2020 is available now. Learn more.
Future of Aid in Syria. Recording of hybrid event online now.
24. September 2020On 22 September 2020, Caritas international and CHA organised a joint hybrid event on the future of aid in Syria. Here you can re-watch a recording of the event and view the questions that have been raised in the live chat. Please note that the event has been held in German language.
Interview with the new CHA Research Fellow Darina Pellowska
9. September 2020Darina Pellowska has been a Research Fellow at CHA since July 2020. In this interview, the PhD student explains why the localisation debate – not only because of COVID-19 – has to be on top of the agenda and what a more participatory humanitarian debate culture could look like.
#WorldHumanitarianDay and 5 years “Wir schaffen das”: Interview with CHA Director Ralf Südhoff.
26. August 2020On the occasion of World Humanitarian Day, CHA Director Ralf Südhoff gave several interviews on German civil and public humanitarian aid. What has the world’s second largest donor achieved? Why is a German Middle East focus justified? We have selected two TV interviews with Deutsche Welle and two radio interviews for you.
CHA Webinar on COVID-19 online
24. August 2020Have you missed our webinar on “COVID-19 – comprehensive response or development reversal? Don’t worry – the recording is now online. Learn how practitioners in Somalia and Pakistan experience the COVID-19 response, what international policy experts demand and what the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) is planning.
Interview with Dabagaï Dabagaï on the Triple Nexus
2. July 2020Dabagaï Dabagaï, Country Director of Action against Hunger in Mali, explains in this interview why she finds the peace component of the Triple Nexus problematic and how COVID-19 affects her daily work.
4 questions on the Syria conference
27. June 2020During #SyriaConf2020, that is currently taking place virtually, CHA Director Ralf Südhoff explains in this interview what indirect consequences the COVID-19 pandemic has on Syria, what chances Cash and Voucher Assistance (CVA) offers for the county and what consequences this has for German aid organisations.
Hunger as a weapon: joint webinar by Welthungerhilfe and CHA
24. June 2020The systematic use of hunger in armed conflicts is increasingly used as a method of warfare. What is the legal framework regarding starvation crimes, and what does this mean for humanitarian aid organisations? On 19 June 2020, Welthungerhilfe and the CHA organized a joint webinar on this topic.
Interview with Charlotte Faltas on counterterrorism measures
27. May 2020In this interview, CHA intern Charlotte Faltas explains the latest CHA research results on counterterrorism, what she is currently investigating in her master’s thesis and how she copes in the home office situation in times of Corona.
Recording of CHA webinar #TripleNexus online now
18. May 2020The video recording of CHA’s webinar “The Triple Nexus – Threat or Opportunity for the Humanitarian Principles?” from May 14, 2020 is online. Watch it here.
Localisation and Shrinking Civic Space: new CHA paper online
15. May 2020What does ‘local’ actually mean? And how do humanitarian actors cope with the increasing restriction of their space for action? Our new paper by CHA Fellow Dr Kristina Roepstorff is online – find out more.
Triple Nexus – humanitarian principles at risk? New CHA discussion paper by Marc DuBois
12. May 2020The Triple Nexus – danger or opportunity for the humanitarian principles? In our new CHA discussion paper Marc DuBois outlines the potential of the Triple Nexus for principled humanitarian aid. The paper is available for download now.
“The Triple Nexus highlights many dilemmas of humanitarian action”. Interview with Andrea Steinke on the Triple Nexus
3. April 2020In this interview, which is part of the interview series “Faces around CHA”, CHA Research Fellow Andrea Steinke explains what the Triple Nexus is about and what challenges the humanitarian community is facing.
What North can learn from South: From Ebola to Corona.
2. April 2020Can lessons learnt from the Ebola outbreak in West Africa be applied to the current COVID-19 pandemic? “We have learned not to take any public health emergency as a joke”. Interview with Ishmeal Alfred Charles, Programme Manager at Caritas Freetown in Sierra Leone.
Triple Nexus – a donor-driven dynamic?
24. March 2020Is the Triple Nexus a donor-driven agenda? CHA’s third discussion on the Triple Nexus, which took place on 10 March 2020, in cooperation with VENRO, focused on the European donor landscape. An event review.
Water as a weapon of war in Yemen
11. February 2020Public health in Yemen is on the verge of collapse. A new study by Action contre la Faim (ACF) shows how the parties to the conflict have knowingly contributed to the collapse of the water sector in the war that has been going on since 2015. Water as a weapon of war? Unfortunately, this is true in Yemen.
Humanitarian action from the perspective of academia and practice. A few reflections.
10. February 2020Scientists and practitioners in humanitarian action still do not get together enough. A joint event of the Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict (IFHV), the University of Siegen, and the Centre for Humanitarian Action (CHA) on 4 February 2020 wanted to change this.
Challenge Shrinking Humanitarian Space. An event review.
31. January 2020How can humanitarian actors operate in a restrictive environment in which provision of life-saving aid and the protection of people is criminalised? On 29 January 2020, the Centre for Humanitarian Action (CHA) together with Groupe URD organised an event on Migration and Shrinking Humanitarian Space in Europe. This was exactly the challenge that was discussed.
“Especially local helpers are affected”. Interview with Kristina Roepstorff on the Shrinking Humanitarian Space.
13. January 2020Kristina Roepstorff has been a Research Fellow at the Centre for Humanitarian Action (CHA) since September 2019, where she heads the project on Shrinking Humanitarian Space. In this interview, she explains what Shrinking Humanitarian Space is and the challenges it poses for humanitarian action.
The honest broker?
9. December 2019The volume of humanitarian aid in Germany has multiplied in recent years. What is Germany’s new role and strategy in humanitarian aid? The Centre for Humanitarian Action (CHA) together with the Global Public Policy Institute (GPPi) invited to a high-level round table on December 6.
Triple Nexus in Mali. An event review.
29. November 2019Everybody is talking about the Triple Nexus. But what exactly does it mean in practice to bring together humanitarian action, development and peace work? On November 28, the Centre for Humanitarian Action (CHA) hosted its second event on this subject. This time, Anaïde Nahikian from the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative and CHA-Research Fellow Andrea Steinke discussed the case of Mali.
Sea rescue and Shrinking Humanitarian Space
29. November 2019Since the arrest of Carola Rackete, captain of Sea Watch 3, in June 2019, the topic of sea rescue has been on everyone’s lips. One thing is clear: Humanitarian workers are increasingly being hampered in their work – one also talks about the Shrinking Humanitarian Space. On November 28, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and SOS MEDITERRANEE organised an event in Berlin. Kristina Roepstorff from the Centre for Humanitarian Action (CHA) participated as a panelist.
Humanity overboard
7. November 2019How the rescue at sea in the Mediterranean was criminalised step by step – this stands for a Shrinking Humanitarian Space also in Europe. A guest contribution by David Starke, General Director of SOS MEDITERRANEE Germany.
CHA Projects 2019-2021
30. October 2019CHA has published its work programme for 2019-2021. Three projects are to be realised. Thematically, the focus is on the policy and strategy capability of German humanitarian actors, the Triple Nexus and the Shrinking Humanitarian Space in the Global South and in Europe.
Climate change and humanitarian action
22. October 2019Droughts, floods, displacements. At the Humanitarian Congress 2019, which took place on October 17 and 18, 2019, at Urania Berlin, humanitarian actors* discussed the challenges of climate change and its impacts on humanitarian action. CHA was present with its own stand and a panel discussion on the situation in Syria, facilitated by CHA Director Ralf Südhoff.
CHA hosts Syria briefing with UN Regional Humanitarian Coordinator
18. October 2019With the entering of Turkish troops in North-East Syria at the beginning of October, hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced. Experts speak of one of the most worrying events since the outbreak of the Syrian war. CHA organised a webinar on the humanitarian situation with Panos Moumtzis, a senior UN-representative in the region.
CHA panel at ALNAP Annual Meeting
17. October 2019The aid that humanitarian actors are most prepared to deliver is not always the most suitable one to effectively meet the needs of people in crisis. How can this be changed? CHA-Director Ralf Südhoff facilitated a plenary session on this issue at ALNAP’s 32nd Annual Meeting.
Job Post: Research interns (m/f/d)
16. October 2019We are looking for part-time or full-time research interns to join our team in Berlin-Mitte. Deadline for Application: 31 October 2019.
Three years into the Grand Bargain: where do we stand?
2. October 2019Three years after the World Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul, it is now time to reflect: Have there been the changes to humanitarian assistance for people in emergencies promised at this summit? What, for some, may be a debate over technical, sector-specific reforms, is a question of life or death for more people than ever before.
Counterterrorism laws and sanctions regime
20. September 2019Aktion gegen den Hunger and CHA invited to a confidential round table on September 19, 2019. NGOs were able to discuss how the counterterrorism legislation of international donors affects humanitarian aid and their project work. An event review.
CHA wins tender concerning Triple Nexus evaluation
22. August 2019CHA has won a tender from Welthungerhilfe for an evaluation concerning the Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexus. The evaluation fits into the CHA project “Nexus in Practice” and includes several case studies.
Better strategies for German humanitarian assistance – DW radio interview
15. August 2019Deutsche Welle has interviewed Ralf Südhoff for a broadcast of an English radio show, in which he speaks about the following: Where does German humanitarian assistance stand? What could be Germany’s global role? What do German public & civil actors need to look at? What can think tank CHA contribute to these issues?
Sea Rescue and Criminalisation of Migration in the EU
24. July 2019In the “Monday on the Couch” event on 22/07/2019, organised by the Bosch Alumni Network and the CHA, speakers and the experienced audience discussed the topic “Refugees, Activists and Humanitarians – all criminals?”. A review of the event can be read here.
Job Post: Junior Communications Officer
23. July 2019We are looking for a part-time communications officer to join our team in Berlin-Mitte.
Article “The Innovation of Humanitarian Action in Syria”
11. July 2019Aside from the current war in Yemen, the Syrian conflict that broke out in 2011 is still considered the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. ln the face of the continuing plight of more than 13 million Syrians, innovative humanitarian action in the region, which is constantly changing, has made the crisis a “laboratory” for the future of humanitarian action from United Nations agencies and civil society. At the same time, in the Syrian conflict humanitarian action has rarely before been so hampered, attacked and disregarded in its principles, which signifies major challenges and conflicting goals worldwide.
Triple Nexus in Practice: Minutes of the Roundtable
3. July 2019The minutes of the Roundtable discussion about the Triple Nexus (Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexus) on 12/06/2019 can be read here.
Meeting with Christos Stylianides, ECHO
1. July 2019On 28 June 2019 a meeting took place in Berlin between Christos Stylianides, European Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management, IFHV’s Executive Director Professor Pierre Thielbörger and CHA Director Ralf Südhoff. The discussion focused on the nexus approach, in particular the link with education, as well as upholding IHL and Europe’s major role in defending shrinking humanitarian space.
Mark Lowcock visits Berlin
11. June 2019CHA welcomed on 5th of June Mark Lowcock for a frank discussion on how humanitarian action can save more lives by anticipatory approaches and timely financing mechanisms.
Job Post: Research Fellow
21. May 2019We are looking for a full-time research fellow to join our team in Berlin-Mitte. As fluency in German language is required for this position, we kindly refer to the German announcement for more detailed information.
Critical article on German humanitarian aid
14. May 2019Interesting article in the German magazine “welt-sichten” on the deficient strategy of German humanitarian aid. CHA director Ralf Südhoff is being quoted as he warns the Federal Government and aid organisations to “continue like this”. Apart from Südhoff, three other experts that have been invited to the hearing of the Committee on Human Rights and Humanitarian Aid in the German parliament on 20/03/2019 have been interviewed.
Help without causing any harm – new RBB radio interview
15. April 2019CHA director Ralf Südhoff reports on his personal background in the field of humanitarian action. By presenting some of the conflicts he was confronted with in his previous positions, listeners gain practical insights into the dilemmas of humanitarian principles. He also takes a stand on important topics such as sea rescue and arms exports and shows how the work of the CHA can contribute to improving humanitarian action.
A successful event at the GFFO
5. April 2019The event for the presentation of the SOHS 2018 report and the launch of the new strategy of the German Federal Foreign Office on humanitarian assistance has attracted an audience of approximately 180 people. We appreciate this huge interest and would like to look back to the event with a picture gallery.
From start-up to global player
4. April 2019On the occasion of the presentation of the new strategy of the German Federal Foreign Office on humanitarian assistance, an article written by CHA director Ralf Südhoff has been published in German daily “Tagesspiegel” on 04/04/2019.
Video: Humanitarian Assistance in a Changing World on 04.04.19
4. April 2019How did the humanitarian system change in the last three years? And what are the German answers to those challenges? Watch a recording of our symposium here.
What is keeping humanitarians up at night?
24. March 2019Humanitarian aid workers are often confronted with difficult decisions on moral issues and humanitarian principles. During our opening event on 19/03/2019, Directors from Médecins sans Frontièrs, Caritas Germany and Diakonie Emergency Aid spoke about humanitarian aid challenges and dilemmas in times of multiple conflicts. Listen to the recording on rbb Inforadio (in German).
Video: CHA at the Bundestag
21. March 2019CHA director Ralf Südhoff was invited to an expert hearing of the Committee on Human Rights and Humanitarian Aid in the German parliament on 20/03/2019. Seven experts layed out their views on the latest quadrennial report German humanitarian assistance abroad by the German Federal Foreign Office. Watch a video of the hearing here.
Full House at the CHA opening
20. March 2019We are pleased about the numerous guests who took part in our yesterday’s opening event. In addition to Minister of State Niels Annen, directors of German aid organisations and international guests discussed the question “Humanitarian Aid in crisis – Germany only a small giant”.
Against all principles – “welt-sichten”-interview
28. February 2019The crisis in Venezuela is a prime example of how humanitarian action should not be provided and can even have dangerous impacts. The US approach violates the humanitarian principles and undermines the work of aid organisations, criticises CHA director Ralf Südhoff in an interview with “welt-sichten” magazine.
Humanitarian helpers, conflicts of objectives and dilemmas – RBB radio interview
17. February 2019Humanitarian aid workers face a number of dilemmas, especially when they want to provide aid in crises and war zones. How do they uphold the principle of impartiality when they have to cooperate with conflict parties? How do they remain neutral? And what does it mean to be independent when state donors finance their aid? CHA director Ralf Südhoff raises questions that humanitarian aid workers and the CHA deal with.
“We can address issues that aid organisations shy away from” – interview on founding the CHA
23. January 2019What can the CHA do that others can’t? Why is its independence so important? Why is it wrong to claim that aid always reaches the target group? And why are German humanitarian actors internationally still frequently perceived as newcomers? Director Ralf Südhoff answers those questions in an interview with Greenpeace Magazine.
Inaugural visit to the Federal Foreign Office
9. January 2019On Wednesday, 9 January 2019, CHA founding director Ralf Südhoff and colleagues visited the Federal Foreign Office and met the head of the Division for Humanitarian Assistance / Operations and her team. The aim of the meeting was to present the CHA and to sound out future cooperations and possible joint events. The current challenges of humanitarian aid and the new report “State of the Humanitarian System” (SOHS) were also discussed.