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Debate

The potential of an International ombuds for humanitarian and development aid

UNHCR/Saiful Huq Omi
There is a strong need for an International Ombuds (Ombudsman) for Humanitarian and Development Aid. The Ombuds could be a relevant factor in preventing sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment of people in vulnerable situations, and could be a support for victims. There are, however, also challenges, related to logistics, security, jurisdiction, and ensuring appropriate follow up.

This is the conclusion of a scoping study performed by professor Thea Hilhorst (International Institute of Social Studies, Erasmus University) at the request of the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Thea Hilhorst, Asmita Naik and Andrew Cunningham interviewed specialists and aid workers representing different parts of the sector and reviewed numerous documents and websites.

What is the potential of the International Ombuds for aid and can challenges be addressed properly? How can the initiative enrich and complement other ongoing initiatives to advance safeguarding in the sector?

We discussed the potential and the challenges of an Ombuds for aid at 21 November, 15:30 in Humanity House!

About the speakers

Dorothea Hilhorst, professor of humanitarian aid and reconstruction at ISS.

Asmita Naik, International Development and Human Rights Consultant.

Bart Romijn,  director of Partos.

Marinus Verweij, CEO of ICCO-Cooperation.  

Doris Voorbraak, Deputy Representative to the African Union (AU), the Intergovernmental Authority of Development  (IGAD) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA).

Reintje van Haeringen, CEO of CARE and chair of the Dutch Relief Alliance (DRA).

 

Click here to read the full report of the scoping study.

Click here to listen to the podcast.

Click here to find the report on the debate.

Institute of Social Studies

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