Summer Schools

WHAT IS THE SUMMER SCHOOL ALL ABOUT?

Earthquakes, floods, forced displacements, and civil wars – these are humanitarian crises situations reported daily by the news media. But who is responsible, if people become victims of war and forced displacement? What is the legal foundation for crises operations of humanitarian organizations? What are the impacts of humanitarian interventions? How can humanitarian action be coordinated most effectively? And also, are humanitarian interventions able to address the root causes of crises and conflict?

Humanitarian organizations like the International Red Cross, Médecins Sans Frontières, Care International and World Vision, and many others provide emergency relief in disasters and humanitarian crises. Despite the idealistic goals of humanitarianism, humanitarian organizations are often criticized. Too often humanitarian interventions and aid refuel and prolong conflict. Sometimes humanitarian assistance is provided in an inefficient and unprofessional way.

The Summer School 'Humanitarian Action' is a good opportunity to gain an insight in the exciting and challenging field of humanitarian action. The Summer School will familiarize participants with the fascinating, but demanding field of international humanitarian action and the manifold problems associated with reducing human suffering in crisis-zones.

The center of attention is on the ethical and practical challenge that humanitarian organizations face. The Summer School focuses on the legal and political foundations of humanitarian interventions, and the mode of operation and management of humanitarian organizations.

Participants attend lectures, discussions, and a simulation exercise in which they can take on the role of humanitarian actors and learn about the coordination mechanisms of international humanitarian action first-hand. On the last day of the Summer School a workshop will take place where experts of humanitarian organizations tell about their experiences in the interdisciplinary professional field of humanitarian action.