2026-10-13T00:00:09Z https://api.figshare.com/v2/oai

oai:figshare.com:article/32134000 2026-09-30T09:38:32Z category_34142 category_34145 category_34409 category_34463 portal_1009 item_type_6 month_year_09_2026

Humanitarian principles amidst challenging realities: dilemmas faced by local aid workers in Arab conflict zones Ghassan Elkahlout (17906894) Human society Anthropology Political science Sociology Localisation humanitarian principles Arab states ethical dilemmas <p dir="ltr">This study investigates the ethical and operational challenges local aid providers face in conflict-affected Arab states, emphasising the tension between humanitarian principles and local realities. Based on 40 semi-structured interviews and an extensive literature review, it examines how localisation efforts heighten dilemmas surrounding neutrality, impartiality, and independence. While local humanitarians are deeply committed to humanitarian values, the complexities of politically fragmented environments often make these principles aspirational rather than achievable. Neutrality is frequently contested with perceptions of bias exacerbated by sociopolitical pressures. Similarly, independence and impartiality are undermined by donor agendas, armed groups, and cultural expectations. The findings advocate for a context-sensitive approach that balances global humanitarian ideals with local realities, fostering adaptive and inclusive responses in complex conflict settings.</p><h2 dir="ltr">Other Information</h2><p dir="ltr">Published in: Development in Practice<br>License: <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" target="_blank">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a><br>See article on publisher's website: <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09614524.2025.2489565" target="_blank">https://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09614524.2025.2489565</a></p> 2025-05-05T00:00:00Z Text Journal contribution 10.1080/09614524.2025.2489565 https://figshare.com/articles/journal_contribution/Humanitarian_principles_amidst_challenging_realities_dilemmas_faced_by_local_aid_workers_in_Arab_conflict_zones/32134000 CC BY 4.0