Reimagining the humanitarian system

The Humanitarian Policy Group at ODI has published a fascinating think piece on the future of the humanitarian system. Entitled Constructive deconstruction – imagining alternative humanitarian action (PDF), the report critiques the present system for giving recipients little say; not aligning aid with what people need; and for promoting competition amongst INGOs that restrict the opportunities for collective action.

The working paper makes suggestions for change that include nudging INGOs towards enabling more local responses; incentivizing organisations to be smaller, differentiated by expertise and operating collaboratively; investing in local organisations and communities – and eliminating the term ‘beneficiary.’