Shrinking Humanitarian Space2022-03-22T16:20:48+01:00

Shrinking Humanitarian Space

The internationally much-debated issue of shrinking humanitarian space is considered a fundamental challenge for humanitarian aid and its principles. So far, however, this debate is mainly concerned with the countries of the Global South. The aim of this project is to examine the specific challenges and parallels of increasingly limited spaces for principled humanitarian action in the countries of the North and the South, with concrete practical examples. In the context of asylum and migration policies, including sea rescue, anti-terrorism legislation and localization, the topic will be examined and options for action will be discussed.

Understanding counterterrorism and humanitarian action - to go

14.04.2021

publicationsSince 9/11, sanctions and so-called counter-terrorism measures have increased. This also makes the work of humanitarian aid workers more difficult. Former CHA intern Charlotte Faltas explains what counter-terrorism measures are all about and how they collide with humanitarian action in a new paper in the publication series "Humanitarian topics explained ... to go".
Cadus Debate

Cadus Debate on Sanctions in Syria

13.04.2021

news

On 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.

Localisation and Shrinking Civic Space: Tying up the Loose Ends

15.05.2020

publicationsThe call for localising humanitarian action has gained momentum. What is meant by 'local' - and how do humanitarian actors deal with the increasing curtailment of their space for action? A critical glance in the new paper by CHA Fellow Dr Kristina Roepstorff.

CHA Conference 2024

04.06.2024 00:00 - 23:59

tribe_events

The CHA Conference 2024 will focus on the topic “Climate & humanitarian crises and the lack of a joint response – Needs, narratives and necessities”. Register now!

Parliament hearing on health in conflict and war

01.09.2023

news

CHA 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.

Humanitarian Aid as a Means of Combat?

12.07.2022

blog

German Federal Chancellor Scholz wants humanitarian aid to support Ukraine’s defence, in addition to money and weapons. A lapse that endangers humanitarian aid – also in this war. [German]

Yemen’s humanitarian crisis: a ‘brighter future’ ahead?

25.05.2022

blog

While the war in Ukraine is capturing the world’s attention, 20.7 million people in Yemen are in need of humanitarian assistance, up to 19 million people are food insecure, and 4.2 million people have been displaced due to the conflict.

 

Understanding counterterrorism and humanitarian action - to go

14.04.2021

publicationsSince 9/11, sanctions and so-called counter-terrorism measures have increased. This also makes the work of humanitarian aid workers more difficult. Former CHA intern Charlotte Faltas explains what counter-terrorism measures are all about and how they collide with humanitarian action in a new paper in the publication series "Humanitarian topics explained ... to go".
Cadus Debate

Cadus Debate on Sanctions in Syria

13.04.2021

news

On 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.

Interview with the new CHA Research Fellow Darina Pellowska

09.09.2020

news

Darina 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.

Interview with Charlotte Faltas on counterterrorism measures

27.05.2020

news

In 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.

Localisation and Shrinking Civic Space: Tying up the Loose Ends

15.05.2020

publicationsThe call for localising humanitarian action has gained momentum. What is meant by 'local' - and how do humanitarian actors deal with the increasing curtailment of their space for action? A critical glance in the new paper by CHA Fellow Dr Kristina Roepstorff.

Counterterrorism Measures and Sanction Regimes: Shrinking Space for Humanitarian Aid Organisations

27.02.2020

publicationsIn recent decades, states and intergovernmental organisations have adopted increasingly restrictive laws and guidelines to combat terrorism. Humanitarian actors report disastrous effects on their daily work. This publication introduces the current state of the debate.

Challenge Shrinking Humanitarian Space. An event review.

31.01.2020

news

How 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.

13.01.2020

news

Kristina 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.

Migration and the Shrinking Humanitarian Space in Europe

15.10.2019

publicationsOur new research fellow Kristina Roepstorff discusses the problem of the shrinking humanitarian space in Europe. Besides the well-known obstacles to civil search and rescue operations, the humanitarian space is also affected by various other controversial measures in EU countries.