«Giving up is not an option for us»
The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) is hosting its annual forum in Geneva this week. The event will focus on how humanitarian actions can be carried out in the face of significantly declining financial resources and increasing crises. Our employees share their views on the future of humanitarian aid.
What does it mean today to be involved in humanitarian action – in a world where crises are becoming more frequent, conflicts are intensifying, financial resources are getting cut, and employees on the ground are exposed to enormous risks? How can international organizations such as Caritas Switzerland provide humanitarian support today when demand is constantly increasing but our resources are not?
The SDC will raise these questions at its forum in Geneva at the end of February. Caritas Switzerland employees will take part in the conference to exchange ideas with representatives of the Swiss government and other organizations as well as contribute their expertise.
We asked three employees who are closely involved in Caritas Switzerland's humanitarian activities: What are the current challenges shaping your work? How do you see the future of humanitarian aid?
«Working in humanitarian action today means taking responsibility – knowing that we cannot meet every need, but remaining committed, honest, and courageous.»Wael DarwishRegional DIRECTOR MIDDLE EAST CARITAS SWITZERLAND
«Humanitarian action at this moment means focusing on the essentials: standing alongside communities in crisis and strengthening local partners. In a world where crises are multiplying and resources are dwindling, humanitarian action does not mean doing everything, but remaining true to our principles, remaining human, and acting with compassion – even when the way forward is uncertain. International cooperation is under pressure and the challenges are immense – but giving up is not an option for us.»
«Humanitarian action today means much more than providing emergency aid: it means giving a voice to people who are not heard in political decisions.»Sarah BussHEAD OF Emergency Preparedness AT CARITAS SWITZERLAND
«It means supporting local partners in such a way that they can act independently. And it means consistently insisting on human dignity, speaking honestly about boundaries, and seeking sustainable solutions. Despite political and financial constraints, humanitarian action must take place because it is based on a fundamental ethical responsibility. When life and dignity are at stake, support must not be negotiable; that is precisely when it is an expression of our common humanity and duty to show solidarity. Continuously pointing this out is an important part of humanitarian work, because only in this way can we remain part of the solution – with discipline and the courage to do the right thing even under difficult conditions.»
«In a world where conflicts are becoming more complex, multilateral cooperation is under pressure, and domestic political interests are often placed above global responsibility, humanitarian action is more than just an operational task.»Mark KesslerDeputy Head of International Cooperation at caritas switzerland
«Providing humanitarian work means standing up for principled action when international humanitarian law is disregarded. It means defending multilateral cooperation, even if it is not beyond reproach. And it means clearly opposing the instrumentalization of humanitarian action for short-term political purposes. Engaging in humanitarian work in the current environment is not only an operational task, but also a normative one.»
Header image: Syria 2025 © Hasan Belal