Introduction to Humanitarian Action (080270-WiSe 25/26)

This course addresses the ideas and practices of humanitarianism, in particular the politics and management of humanitarian crises and organizations. In this vein, the course discusses the main critiques of humanitarian action and possible alternatives. The course adheres to the idea that humanitarian aid should be provided from a long-term perspective – otherwise it can either reinforce conflict and exclusion and neglect the root causes of (complex) crises or hinder access at a later stage of the crisis or during other crises. The course consists of three interrelated sections:

1.         Context and Legal Basics

2.         Actors and Organizations

3.         Challenges and Cross-cutting issues.